At the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, several key decisions were taken on food security, farmer welfare, climate-resilient agriculture, agricultural trade, and digital agriculture. Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced that member countries had adopted a joint declaration titled the “Indore Declaration” following extensive deliberations. The BRICS nations agreed to undertake collective, coordinated, and sustained efforts to implement all initiatives outlined in the declaration so that their benefits reach farmers, rural communities, and food systems on the ground.
BRICS countries represent nearly half of the world’s population, account for about 42% of global agricultural land, and contribute roughly 42% of global food production. Chouhan said that around 100 delegates, including nearly 60 international representatives, participated in the meeting, reflecting the importance BRICS countries attach to agriculture and food security.
The conference reached consensus on four new initiatives. The first is the establishment of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture. This network will serve as a platform for joint research, knowledge-sharing, and capacity building in natural, organic, and regenerative farming practices. It will enable member countries to learn from each other’s best practices and promote climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. In India, the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR), Modipuram, will play a key role in this initiative.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan with BRICS Agriculture ministers.
The second major initiative is the creation of a BRICS Digital Agriculture Network, which will strengthen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, digital public infrastructure, and data-driven agricultural solutions. The network will be coordinated by IIT Delhi.
The third important announcement relates to the establishment of the Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems, aimed at protecting farmers’ seed rights, indigenous seed diversity, and traditional knowledge. The forum will work to prevent the loss of traditional seed varieties and preserve farmers’ indigenous knowledge systems.
The fourth initiative is the launch of BRICS AgriN (Agro Input, Genetic Resources and Information Network), which will strengthen cooperation among member countries in agricultural inputs, seeds, and genetic resources.
Responding to a question on the possible impact of El Niño, Chouhan said that it could affect India and several countries in the Asia-Pacific region. However, countries are preparing to address the challenge, and discussions were held on strategies for information-sharing and cooperation among BRICS nations to mitigate its impact.
On concerns over rising fertilizer costs due to global crises, conflicts, and increasing raw material prices, the Agriculture Minister said the Government of India has decided to continue providing fertilizers to farmers at affordable rates. He stated that urea will continue to be available at Rs 266 per bag and DAP at Rs 1,350 per bag, with the Central Government bearing the entire additional cost burden. He emphasized that standing with farmers during such challenging times is the government’s responsibility.