Talks Between Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Dutch Minister Silvio Erkens Focus on 25 Centres of Excellence, Agricultural Innovation and Market Access

India and the Netherlands are exploring opportunities to deepen agricultural cooperation, with a focus on horticulture development, seed-sector collaboration, modern farming technologies and agricultural innovation. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan held bilateral talks with Silvio Erkens, the Netherlands’ Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, in New Delhi on 28 September 2026.

The discussions reviewed ongoing cooperation and explored new areas for collaboration to improve agricultural productivity through technology, innovation and knowledge exchange.

For India’s hospitality, foodservice and tourism industries, the discussions are relevant to the wider food supply chain, particularly the potential for improved horticultural production, more efficient cultivation practices and stronger agricultural capabilities supporting fresh produce availability.

Key Highlights

• 25 Centres of Excellence: India and the Netherlands reviewed progress on establishing Centres of Excellence in agriculture and horticulture.
• Seed-sector cooperation: Both countries agreed to explore collaboration through a dedicated work plan outlining priority areas and implementation.
• Agricultural innovation: Discussions covered opportunities to exchange expertise and leverage technological advancements in both countries.
• Productivity improvement: Modern technology, innovation and knowledge sharing remain central to the partnership.
• Market access: The bilateral engagement included discussions on market-access issues, alongside broader agricultural cooperation.

25 Centres of Excellence to Support Agriculture and Horticulture

A key focus of the meeting was progress on establishing 25 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across the agriculture and horticulture sectors.

The centres form part of the broader India–Netherlands cooperation agenda, with the discussions highlighting the importance of modern agricultural practices, technical expertise and knowledge exchange. Further progress could support the adoption of improved cultivation techniques and strengthen capabilities in horticultural production.

For the food industry, developments in horticulture are particularly relevant because hotels, restaurants, caterers and institutional kitchens depend on consistent supplies of fresh vegetables, fruits and other agricultural produce.

Seed-Sector Collaboration and Agricultural Innovation

Both sides agreed to explore cooperation in the seed sector through a work plan that would identify key areas of collaboration and provide a clearer framework for implementation.

The meeting also examined opportunities to strengthen agricultural innovation by drawing on the technological advances and expertise available in both countries.

Improved seed systems and the adoption of suitable agricultural technologies could support productivity, crop quality and the long-term resilience of food supply chains. However, the impact on commercial production and food availability will depend on the specific initiatives implemented and their outcomes.

Impact on Hospitality, Foodservice and Tourism

1. Potential Benefits for Hotel and Restaurant Procurement

Horticultural cooperation could have long-term implications for the availability and quality of fresh produce used by hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering businesses. Improvements in cultivation practices may help strengthen supply consistency, although direct benefits will depend on implementation and market conditions.

2. Opportunities for Fresh Produce and Food Supply Chains

Greater agricultural productivity and improved seed-sector capabilities could support the wider farm-to-market ecosystem. For foodservice operators, reliable sourcing of fruits and vegetables is important for menu planning, procurement costs and consistent food quality.

3. Relevance for Culinary Tourism

India’s regional cuisines and culinary tourism offerings depend heavily on local agricultural produce. Strengthening horticultural production could support the supply chains serving destination restaurants, local food businesses and regional culinary experiences.

4. Potential for Agricultural Knowledge Exchange

The partnership creates a platform for exchanging agricultural expertise and exploring innovative approaches to cultivation. Over time, such cooperation could contribute to more efficient production systems and stronger links between agriculture, food processing and commercial foodservice.

Industry Takeaway

The India–Netherlands discussions underline the role of international agricultural partnerships in strengthening horticulture, seed systems and farming innovation.

For hospitality and foodservice businesses, the significance lies in the potential downstream benefits of a more productive and resilient agricultural supply chain. Progress on the 25 Centres of Excellence and the proposed seed-sector work plan will be important indicators of how the partnership translates into practical outcomes for India’s food ecosystem.