The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Italy for cooperation in agriculture and phytosanitary issues.It replaces the earlier MoU signed in January, 2008, which is going to expire in January, 2018, as per a release. The MoU provides for cooperation in the fields of phytosanitary issues, agricultural production and a wide range of other sectors including animal husbandry, agricultural research, food processing and other additional fields as may be mutually decided by both the sides," reads the release.It also said the MoU has the provision for exchange of information on the situation of agriculture and rural development, strengthening of technical exchange and production cooperation in respect of agricultural mechanization and farm machinery and agro-industrial infrastructure, removal of technical barriers and exchange experiences in animal husbandry sector including modern scientific researches and technologies."The MoU provides for setting up of a joint working group in order to promote bilateral exchanges in the field of agriculture, consider long-term initiatives for agricultural cooperation, and promote cooperation in order to reduce phytosanitary risks in exported goods also through the definition of specific joint procedures."It will encourage and facilitate contacts between governmental agencies, scientific and academic institutions and business communities of both the countries and promote further cooperation between their respective research institutes.