Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for stronger technical cooperation between India and Japan in agriculture, with a focus on bringing advanced Japanese technology and machinery to small and marginal farmers.
Speaking at the UP-Japan Investment Meet-2026, Chouhan said the partnership between India and Japan should go beyond investment and deliver tangible benefits to farmers, rural youth and the wider rural economy. He highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing potential as a destination for Japanese investment, supported by its large consumer market, skilled workforce, improving infrastructure, connectivity and investor-friendly policies.
The Union Minister urged Japanese companies and institutions to develop affordable and practical agricultural machinery that can be easily adopted by small and marginal farmers. He stressed the need for technologies that can improve farm productivity, reduce water consumption and lower cultivation costs while increasing farmers’ incomes.
Chouhan also called for stronger links between agricultural research and actual farming practices. He said research should not remain limited to academic papers but should be converted into useful products and technologies that farmers can adopt in the field.
The Minister further highlighted opportunities for rural youth in agricultural technology, including the operation, maintenance and business activities associated with modern farm machinery. Such opportunities, he said, can help create employment and entrepreneurship in villages while making young people active participants in India’s development.
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Calling for Japan’s support in making India a global hub for agricultural technology, Chouhan emphasised closer coordination between agriculture and manufacturing. He also described India-Japan relations as a partnership that extends beyond investment to technology, innovation, skill development, manufacturing and employment.
The UP-Japan Investment Meet-2026 is being held from August 18 to 23 across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, with more than 200 Japanese industrialists, CEOs, business representatives and policymakers participating. Investment opportunities are being showcased across sectors including advanced technology, green hydrogen, renewable energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, automotive components, digital infrastructure, skill development and tourism.