Cairo: Ministers of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouq and Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam engaged in discussions with Indian companies and organizations to explore cooperation in sustainable agriculture and water resources management.According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting focused on reviewing existing and potential collaboration areas, including the creation of a Centre of Excellence dedicated to millet cultivation research and training. Millet is a cereal crop known for its drought and climate resilience. The discussions also included a digital agriculture initiative and a project to produce biodegradable tableware from rice straw. These projects aim to utilize financing available under a bilateral memorandum of understanding and a designated credit line for joint initiatives involving Indian companies.The ministers emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of projects and remove barriers to effective cooperation. They proposed a field visit to Upper Egy pt to evaluate opportunities for expanding millet cultivation, which is crucial for enhancing food security amid challenging climate conditions.The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation highlighted Egypt's efforts in rainwater and flood harvesting projects, along with initiatives to optimize water resource utilization for agricultural development. These efforts align with sustainable water management policies. He also underscored the role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence in improving water and land management efficiency, contributing to sustainable development goals.Furthermore, the meeting addressed a proposal by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to establish a regional Center of Excellence in Egypt, serving North and West Africa. The proposal includes setting up a specialized research laboratory focused on water applications, artificial intelligence, and land management to develop innovative solutions for food and water security.