India-FAO Collaboration Strengthened as Hagihara Bids Farewell

The concluding chapter of Takayuki Hagihara’s service as FAO’s senior representative in India was marked by a meeting with Secretary (West) Siby George of the Ministry of External Affairs on July 17. Both officials reviewed the expanding cooperation in agricultural innovation, food safety, and climate‑adapted farming practices.

George commended Hagihara for his role in scaling FAO projects that have boosted crop yields, promoted sustainable resource use, and supported nutrition improvement across the country. The encounter was reported by the ministry’s spokesperson on X, emphasizing the mutual commitment to future joint ventures.

Throughout Hagihara’s tenure, India and FAO have launched several key programs aimed at enhancing farmer livelihoods, integrating digital tools in agriculture, and meeting Sustainable Development Goal targets.