As preparations gather momentum for the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, delegates from BRICS Member and Partner Countries arrived in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to experience the city’s culture, urban development and hospitality ahead of the high-level discussions scheduled later this week.
The visit, organized by the Indore Smart City Project and the Indore Municipal Corporation, provided international representatives with an opportunity to witness first-hand the achievements of Indore, which has earned national recognition for its cleanliness, efficient urban management and citizen-centric initiatives. Delegates from countries including Brazil, South Africa and Ethiopia participated in the visit, highlighting the growing engagement among BRICS nations in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
One of the key attractions during the visit was the famous 56 Dukan food hub, a landmark destination known for its diverse culinary offerings. The delegates sampled a range of local dishes and traditional specialties, gaining insights into India’s rich food culture and longstanding tradition of hospitality. The interaction also served as an informal platform for cultural exchange among participating countries.
The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting is scheduled to take place in Indore on June 12 and 13, 2026. The event is expected to bring together ministers, senior officials and experts from BRICS Member and Partner Countries to discuss strategies for enhancing agricultural cooperation, improving food security and promoting sustainable rural development.
Ahead of the ministerial-level discussions, Deputy Representatives will meet from June 9 to 11 to examine key issues affecting global agriculture and prepare recommendations for consideration by ministers. Their deliberations are expected to address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities in the agricultural sector.
India, which holds the BRICS Chairship for the year 2026, has already facilitated extensive discussions through four sessions of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG). These meetings have focused on critical themes such as food security, sustainable farming practices, agricultural innovation, climate resilience and the creation of stronger food systems capable of withstanding global disruptions.
The upcoming ministerial meeting is expected to build on the progress achieved during these working group sessions. Discussions will cover a broad range of topics including agricultural trade and value chains, market access opportunities, knowledge sharing, technological innovation and climate-resilient farming methods. Delegates will also examine strategies to improve soil health, encourage regenerative agricultural practices and ensure sustainable management of natural resources.
A major focus of the discussions will be the empowerment of smallholder farmers, women and young people in agriculture. Participating countries are expected to exchange experiences and best practices aimed at increasing productivity, improving livelihoods and advancing global food security objectives in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
India’s BRICS Chairship has additionally promoted technical cooperation in areas such as reducing food loss and waste, fisheries and aquaculture development, and the adoption of advanced livestock technologies. These initiatives have enabled participating countries to share innovative solutions and practical approaches for addressing agricultural challenges while supporting rural economic growth.
Officials believe that stronger collaboration among BRICS nations can play a significant role in addressing global concerns related to food availability, climate change and sustainable agricultural development. By fostering dialogue and encouraging the exchange of expertise, the grouping seeks to create resilient agricultural systems capable of meeting the needs of growing populations.
India’s current Chairship, which runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026, builds upon its previous leadership roles in 2012, 2016 and 2021. Through its focus on practical cooperation and inclusive growth, India aims to strengthen partnerships among BRICS countries and contribute to shared development goals.
As Indore prepares to host the landmark gathering, expectations are high that the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting will deliver meaningful outcomes and further deepen cooperation among member nations in building sustainable, resilient and inclusive agricultural and food systems for the future.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
