BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meet Begins in Indore, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for Stronger Global Cooperation

Indore, June 12: The two-day conference of Agriculture Ministers from BRICS nations commenced in Indore on Friday, with Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighting India’s agricultural achievements and advocating stronger international cooperation to address global food security challenges.

Addressing the inaugural session, Chouhan said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to promoting global partnerships based on the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the belief that the world is one family. He emphasized that cooperation, rather than conflict, should guide efforts to build a sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

Welcoming delegates from BRICS countries, the Union Minister said the conference provides an important platform to discuss challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, including climate change, rising input costs, shrinking natural resources and market uncertainties. He stressed that empowering small farmers is essential for strengthening global food security.

Highlighting India’s agricultural progress, Chouhan said the sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 percent over the past decade. He noted that the country’s total foodgrain production has reached approximately 376 million tonnes, while wheat production has touched nearly 118 million tonnes. Horticulture output has surpassed 378 million tonnes, and fish production has crossed 19 million tonnes, reflecting significant growth across agricultural and allied sectors.

The Minister said agriculture remains a vital pillar of the Indian economy, providing livelihoods to nearly 43 percent of the workforce. He credited the sector’s achievements to the dedication of farmers and the government’s farmer-centric policies, including improved seed distribution, irrigation expansion, digital agriculture initiatives and financial support programmes.

Drawing attention to the importance of small and marginal farmers, who constitute nearly 87 percent of India’s farming community, Chouhan said schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Kisan Credit Card and crop insurance programmes have helped strengthen financial security and improve agricultural productivity.

On sustainable farming, the Union Minister stressed the need to promote natural farming practices, balanced use of fertilizers and soil conservation measures. He said long-term agricultural sustainability depends on preserving soil health and reducing excessive reliance on chemical inputs. He also highlighted the ongoing “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, which is encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly cultivation methods through scientific guidance and technical support.

Chouhan further underscored the growing contribution of women and youth in transforming the agricultural sector. He said women are increasingly assuming leadership roles through Self-Help Groups, while initiatives such as Drone Didi are enabling them to adopt modern agricultural technologies. He added that innovation, startups, agri-entrepreneurship and digital solutions are attracting more young people to agriculture and making the sector future-ready.

Calling for deeper collaboration among BRICS nations, Chouhan urged member countries to share knowledge, technology and best practices to support farmers, improve food security and promote sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the conference would strengthen agricultural partnerships and help shape a more inclusive and resilient global agricultural framework.

The meeting is expected to focus on key issues such as food security, climate-resilient farming, agricultural innovation and cooperation among BRICS countries in the coming years.