BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meet Begins in Indore, India Calls for Stronger Global Cooperation in Farming

The two-day conference of Agriculture Ministers from BRICS nations commenced in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, bringing together policymakers and agricultural leaders to discuss food security, sustainable farming, and support for small farmers. Addressing the inaugural session, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted India’s agricultural progress and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing global agricultural challenges.

Welcoming delegates from BRICS countries, Chouhan underscored India’s cultural values of hospitality and global unity. He said India’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world as one family – continues to guide its approach to international partnerships. Stressing the need for collective action, he stated that global cooperation based on peace, coordination, and mutual understanding can help create a more resilient agricultural future.

The minister described the conference as a significant platform for addressing issues faced by small and marginal farmers worldwide. Climate change, shrinking natural resources, rising input costs, and market uncertainties were among the key concerns highlighted during the session. Chouhan noted that strengthening the economic and technological capabilities of small farmers is essential for ensuring long-term global food security.

Presenting India’s agricultural achievements, Chouhan said the country’s agriculture sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 percent over the past decade. He informed participants that India’s foodgrain production has reached approximately 376 million tonnes, while wheat output is nearing 118 million tonnes. Horticulture production has crossed 378 million tonnes, and fish production has exceeded 19 million tonnes, reflecting strong growth across multiple sectors.

He further emphasized that India is implementing one of the world’s largest food security programmes, ensuring access to food for a vast section of the population. According to him, these achievements have been made possible through the hard work of farmers and the implementation of farmer-centric government policies aimed at increasing productivity and strengthening rural livelihoods.

Highlighting the importance of agriculture in India’s economy, Chouhan said around 43 percent of the country’s workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. He noted that farming remains the primary source of livelihood for millions of rural households and plays a vital role in ensuring food and nutritional security.

The minister also outlined several initiatives introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support farmers. These include efforts to improve seed quality, expand irrigation facilities, promote agricultural technologies, and strengthen digital services in the farming sector. Financial support schemes have also played a major role in improving farmers’ welfare.

Drawing attention to the predominance of small and marginal farmers in India, Chouhan said nearly 87 percent of the country’s farmers fall into this category. He stressed that their empowerment is crucial for achieving inclusive rural development. Programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi provide direct income support to farmers, while the Kisan Credit Card scheme and crop insurance initiatives offer financial assistance and protection against agricultural risks.

On sustainable agriculture, the minister advocated the adoption of natural farming practices and balanced use of fertilizers to preserve soil health. He highlighted the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, a nationwide campaign launched from Madhya Pradesh, which aims to educate farmers about sustainable cultivation methods and encourage the use of organic inputs.

Chouhan also emphasized the growing role of women and youth in transforming the agricultural sector. He said women-led Self-Help Groups are contributing significantly to rural development, while initiatives such as ‘Drone Didi’ are helping women gain access to modern agricultural technologies. At the same time, increasing participation of young entrepreneurs, startups, and technology innovators is making agriculture more efficient and future-ready.

Concluding his address, the minister called upon BRICS nations to strengthen cooperation through knowledge sharing, technological collaboration, and policy dialogue. He expressed confidence that collective efforts among member countries would help build a sustainable, inclusive, and food-secure future for the world.