MoU signed between ICAR and the Agriculture Department of Seychelles during Prime Minister's visit

📌 Summary:

• ICAR (India) and the Agriculture Department of Seychelles (Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy) signed an MoU during the PM's official visit to Seychelles
• Aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation in agricultural research, education, capacity building and technology transfer—joint research, exchange of scientists/students and sharing of best practices
• A five-year Work Plan (2026–2031) operationalises it, focusing on climate-smart agriculture, horticulture, post-harvest management, livestock development and food & nutritional security
• Addresses emerging challenges such as climate change and food security
• Reinforces India's engagement with the Global South; ICAR has signed 100+ MoUs with partner institutions worldwide

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 – India's bilateral cooperation with Indian Ocean/Global South partners; agricultural diplomacy and soft power via ICAR.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• ICAR = Indian Council of Agricultural Research (under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare)
• Work Plan period: 2026–2031
• Seychelles counterpart: Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy

🔑 Key Term: Climate-smart agriculture – farming that sustainably raises productivity, builds resilience to climate change and reduces greenhouse-gas emissions.