India and Canada have expressed willingness to enhance mutual cooperation in the dairy sector. This emerged at a meeting here today between the Agriculture Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh and the visiting Canadian Agriculture Minister, Mr. Lyle Vanclief. The visiting dignitary pointed out that India is the biggest producer of milk in the world and there is tremendous possibility of collaboration in the dairy sector between the two countries. Shri Rajnath Singh responded by saying that India can take Canada’s help in increasing the shelf life of milk and in the area of quality improvement of dairy products. The Canadian Minister also showed interest in enhancing cooperation in the area of water management. He said that exchange of expertise is taking place between the two countries in the field of agriculture and this needs to be further strengthened. Shri Rajnath Singh said that India and Canada should enhance cooperation in the area of agricultural research and training. He suggested that technical experts from both the sides should meet and identify specific areas of collaboration.
Referring to agriculture related WTO issues, Shri Rajnath stressed the need for substantial reduction in export subsidies and domestic support given by the developed countries to their agricultural products. The Canadian Minister said that his country recognizes the need for special and differential treatment to developing countries in the matter of agricultural trade.
Indian exports to Canada in 2002 amounted to 1,008,520 US dollars . The items included spices, coffee and marine products. Indian imports from Canada in 2002 amounted to 512240 US dollars.
Canada is the third largest producer and second largest wheat exporter. Canada’s agri-food industry is among the top five industries. 75% of Canada’s fish and seafood production is exported to more than 80 countries.
(Release ID :76)