Japan India joint working group promotes agri tech collaboration in Uttar Pradesh

Kanpur: The third joint working group meeting between Japan, the Uttar Pradesh government, and Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, promoting agricultural technology collaboration, concluded at the university on Friday.The meeting, held under the Japan-India Model Farm Project, involved the ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries of Japan, the UP government, and Kanpur Agricultural University.KV Raju, economic advisor to the chief minister, stated that establishing large-scale demonstration units is essential for the successful adoption of Japanese technology. He emphasised the development of various agri-processing zones in the state and the completion of activities with a time-bound action plan to achieve 100 per cent of the targets.Additional chief secretary to the governor Sudhir M. Bobde, who attended online, in his address, suggested adapting Japanese technology to local conditions and revising the university curriculum to align with Japanese technology, which will support entrepreneurship development.Presiding over the programme, vice-chancellor Anand Kumar Singh highlighted the significant potential of Japanese IMEC film farming technology in the state, which leads to the production of high-quality cherry tomatoes with enhanced sweetness. He stated that expanding Japanese technology in the state would improve farmers' economic conditions, and the university would provide all necessary facilities for showcasing the technology.Mitsuo Shimada, a representative from Japan's ministry of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, mentioned that during the meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Japan on August 29, 2025, it was decided to promote food security and agriculture-based entrepreneurship between the two countries. Various Japanese companies, including Mebius Inc, Tomatec Company Limited, Miyachi Corporation, Nichino India Private Limited, Escorts Kubota Limited, JICA, and others, presented their technologies at the meeting.Advisors Dr Koji and Dr Sushi Amamoto from MAAF Japan detailed the previous year's activities and work plan for the Model Farm Project. The programme was conducted by Azusa Mishima, and over 20 Japanese delegates attended the event. Dr PK Singh delivered the vote of thanks.On the occasion, KV Raju and senior state advisor CP Srivastava reviewed the Japanese IMEC film farming technology displayed at the university's vegetable section.