Erkens said the Netherlands had reduced antibiotic use in cattle and dairy farming substantially without affecting productivity, which could be an area for knowledge-sharing with India
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is unlikely to substantially alter trade in primary agricultural products, but it could create greater scope for cooperation in agricultural equipment, technology and know-how, Netherlands Minister for Food Security, Fisheries and Horticulture Silvio Erkens said in New Delhi on Monday.
“So, primary products, indeed, will not change substantially with the FTA, but if you look, for example, at the industrial equipment that is needed for agriculture, the technological know-how and systems, that does provide a better base for cooperation,” Erkens said in an interaction with the media in New Delhi.
The EU and India concluded negotiations for the FTA in January this year, although the agreement is yet to enter into force. Both India and the European Commission have said the pact will retain protection for sensitive agricultural sectors while giving limited access in some others.
Erkens, who is on a September 27-October 2 visit to India, said greater technology cooperation could help farmers deal with climate change while creating business opportunities for both countries.
“If you look at climate change, without innovation, farmer incomes and productivity might be hit more and more each year,” he said, citing soil monitoring, artificial intelligence-based agricultural applications and climate-resilient seeds as areas for cooperation.
He identified dairy, horticulture and seeds as key sectors discussed with Indian government counterparts. “The Netherlands is also looking to share expertise in dairy farming, while learning from India’s more holistic approach to the sector,” he said.
Erkens said the Netherlands had reduced antibiotic use in cattle and dairy farming substantially without affecting productivity, which could be an area for knowledge-sharing with India.
The two countries are also working on a Centre of Excellence on dairy at the Centre of Excellence for Animal Husbandry in Bengaluru, where Dutch farmers are expected to train Indian dairy farmers on methods to improve productivity. The India-Netherlands joint statement in May had welcomed the establishment of the centre.
On seeds, Erkens said cooperation could focus on developing varieties capable of growing with less water and under changing weather conditions. He said the Netherlands’ technological expertise and India’s large agricultural sector were complementary.
He also said discussions had taken place on Centres of Excellence in seeds and flowers, with detailed project proposals prepared for the latter, including financial aspects. India and the Netherlands are working towards 22 such centres, with 10 already operational, five under construction and five more close to approval, according to the minister.
The Netherlands’ government said more than 350 Dutch companies are active in India, including in seeds, dairy and horticulture, while the current trade mission includes 18 Dutch businesses and organisations.
Erkens will visit Mumbai on Tuesday for meetings with businesses, the Maharashtra government and the seed sector, besides opening the Anuga FoodTec expo. He will then travel to Bengaluru on Wednesday with a delegation of 18 Dutch businesses for a trade visit and meet Karnataka’s horticulture minister. On Thursday, he will open the Agricon HortiConnect Expo and Dutch pavilion.
Published on September 28, 2026
