Part of a broader multi-sector ODA push, the funding aims to strengthen high-value agriculture, infrastructure, and Indo–Japan collaboration

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed loan agreements with the Government of India to finance four major development projects, including a dedicated ¥18,684 million (approximately $125 million) allocation for promoting sustainable horticulture in Punjab.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi between Alok Tiwari, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Takeuchi Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India Office. The funding is part of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme aimed at supporting India’s long-term economic and infrastructure development.

The Punjab-focused project is designed to build a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable horticulture ecosystem by promoting high-value crops, strengthening post-harvest and market infrastructure, and expanding the use of technology, research, and digital platforms. The initiative also seeks to deepen Indo–Japan collaboration in agricultural innovation, with a focus on improving productivity, enhancing farmer incomes, and expanding market access.

The horticulture project forms part of a broader financing package that spans multiple sectors. JICA has committed ¥62,294 million for strengthening tertiary healthcare delivery, medical education, and nursing systems in Maharashtra, ¥102,480 million for the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3, and ¥92,400 million for the Mumbai Metro Line 11. These projects will be implemented by respective state agencies, with completion timelines extending between 2032 and 2034.

JICA said the investments are intended to drive sustainable and inclusive development across key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, and urban mobility. In the case of Punjab, the focus on horticulture reflects a strategic shift toward crop diversification and higher-value agricultural systems, particularly in the context of climate stress and evolving market demand.

As Japan’s primary agency for delivering development assistance, JICA plays a central role in supporting emerging economies through loans, grants, and technical cooperation. The agency’s engagement in India continues to expand across sectors, positioning it as a key partner in the country’s infrastructure growth and sustainability transition.