Launching India Africa Partnership in Agriculture (IAPA), consisting of Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), international Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and International Agriculture Consulting Group (ICAG), Dr. S Ayyappan, DG, ICAR said that, "the new partnership will transform Africa and significantly contribute to the global food security." India is committed to the sustainable agriculture development of Africa under the South South Initiative. “The new platform will take on board various stake-holders and provide the Indian expertise and experiences to support African countries in finding solutions to their food, agriculture and development challenges," added DG, ICRISAT Dr. William Dar.
IACG President, Dr. MJ Khan asserted that the collective strength of three powerful partners will be able to make substantial difference to the engagement of India with the African continent. He added that IACG will serve as effective delivery vehicle to execute the projects and programs of varied natures, whether sponsored by Government of India or other national and international organisations or the India’s corporate sector. He said in his welcome address that Indian Government and corporate remain committed to participate in Africa’s development and already a large number of India agri companies are playing significant role.
The high level meeting by organized by IACG in collaboration with ICRISAT and ICAR had a diverse and high level participation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of External Affair, USAID, EXIM Bank, IL&FS, Agri-industry, Agriculture Universities, Research Institutions and several African Embassies. Among the important participants were Dr. LS Rathore, DG, IMD, Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Joint Secretary, Agriculture, Mr. Ravi Bangar, Joint Secretary, MEA, Mr. Sanjiv Kohli, Joint Secretary, MEA, Dr. Purvi mehta, Asia Director, ILRI, Dr. Julian Parr, Asia Director, CIP International, Mr. K Jindal, CEO, NABARD, Mr. Bahiri Dugumu, Head – F&A, USAID, Mr. RK Mittal, Vice Chancellor, RAU, Mrs. Gennet Zewde, Ambassdor Ethiopia, Mr. Mr Ali Illiassou, Ambassdor, Niger, besides 9 Directors and 3 Dy Director Generals of ICAR and over two dozen of Counsellors of Embassies and agri industry CEOs.