Kathmandu, June 27:The fourth meeting of Nepal-India Joint Agriculture Working Group held in New Delhi from June 22 to 24 has approved action plan up to December, 2001.

According to the Approved Action Plan, both the sides have agreed to send 32 Nepalese officers to India for study tour and training, provide a specialist from India in the production of veterinary vaccine and its quality control and exchange scientific information and materials.

The meeting has also approved the exchange of rules and regulations concerning plants, animal quarantine, food security and establish contacts between the experts.

It has also been agreed to constitute a special group for the elimination of certain livestock diseases.

The two sides have also agreed to exchange information and technology to enhance production and productivity of certain cash crops including horticulture to increase the income of the farmers.

At the meeting, the Indian side informed that India can provide farm machinery useful for Nepal.

It is believed that the action approved at the fourth meeting will enhance mutual cooperation in agriculture development.

The 10-member Nepalese delegation was led by secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and cooperatives Dr. Mukti Narayan Shrestha and the Indian delegation by secretary at the Department of Agriculture and Cooperatives Bhaskar Barua.

The meeting of the group constituted in accordance with the understanding reached between HMG and the Government of India is held alternately in Kathmandu and New Delhi every two years.