19 August 2026, New Delhi: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for stronger India–Japan cooperation in agricultural technology, with a focus on developing affordable machinery and solutions that can be adopted by small and marginal farmers.
Speaking at the UP-Japan Investment Meet-2026, Chouhan said Japanese technology and expertise should reach farmers and contribute to higher productivity, lower production costs and improved farm incomes. He also highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s growing potential as a destination for Japanese investment.
“The partnership between India and Japan should not remain limited to investment, but its benefits should reach farmers, youth and the rural economy,” Chouhan said. He noted that India’s large market, young population and agricultural potential create opportunities for deeper technical and industrial cooperation with Japan.
Focus on affordable farm technology
Chouhan urged Japanese companies and institutions to develop agricultural machinery and technologies that are practical and accessible to small and marginal farmers.
He said agricultural technologies should help increase productivity, reduce water consumption and lower production costs. He also stressed that agricultural research needs to move beyond scientific publications and result in technologies and products that farmers can use in the field.
“The direct benefit of research conducted in the agriculture sector should reach the fields,” he said, emphasizing the need to translate research into commercially viable and farmer-friendly solutions.
The minister also highlighted opportunities to create employment and entrepreneurship for rural youth through the operation, maintenance and businesses associated with modern agricultural machinery and technology.
Uttar Pradesh positioned as investment destination
Chouhan described Uttar Pradesh as an emerging destination for global investment, citing its large consumer market, skilled workforce, improving connectivity, infrastructure development and investment-oriented policies.
He said Japan has an important role in Uttar Pradesh’s economic development and noted that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent visit to Japan had contributed to strengthening bilateral engagement.
According to Chouhan, combining Japan’s technological capabilities with Uttar Pradesh’s talent and market potential could create opportunities in employment, innovation and sustainable growth.
Agriculture and manufacturing linkages
The minister also called for greater cooperation between Japan and India to establish the country as a global centre for agricultural technology. He said closer integration between agriculture and manufacturing could support the development of machinery and technologies tailored to farmers’ requirements.
Chouhan described India–Japan relations as extending beyond economic ties, with cooperation also reflecting the strengths of the two countries. He said India’s cultural and spiritual strengths, combined with Japan’s technological and industrial capabilities, could support long-term cooperation in technology, innovation, skills, 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 presented across sectors including advanced technology, green hydrogen, renewable energy, electric mobility, semiconductors, automotive components, digital infrastructure, skill development and tourism.
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