BRICS agriculture ministers unite in Indore to adopt the landmark declaration, launching four major initiatives for sustainable farming, food security, and farmer empowerment across nearly half the world’s population.
In a significant boost to global agricultural cooperation, agriculture ministers from BRICS nations concluded their two-day meeting here with the unanimous adoption of the “Indore Declaration.” The declaration underscores a shared commitment to food security, farmer welfare, climate-resilient practices, and innovation-driven solutions, positioning BRICS as a key player in shaping the future of global agriculture.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who led the Indian delegation, hailed the outcome as a milestone. Addressing a press conference, he emphasized that BRICS countries, representing nearly half of the world’s population, 42 per cent of global agricultural land, and roughly 42 per cent of global food production, have pledged collective, coordinated efforts to translate the declaration’s initiatives into tangible benefits for farmers and rural communities.
The five-day BRICS Agriculture Conference, which included working group meetings, culminated in the ministerial session on June 12-13. Approximately 100 delegates, including nearly 60 international representatives from BRICS member and partner countries, participated, marking the first such meeting to include both. Discussions centred on four key priorities: food security and nutrition, agricultural trade, regenerative and climate-resilient farming, and innovation partnerships.
Four Landmark Initiatives to Drive Global Farm Transformation
The Indore Declaration introduces four major new initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration and sustainability:
- BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture: This network will promote joint research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building in natural, organic, and regenerative farming. India’s ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) will play a leading role, helping member nations exchange best practices for climate-resilient systems.
- BRICS Digital Agriculture Network: Coordinated initially by IIT Delhi, this platform will harness artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, digital public infrastructure, and data-driven solutions to modernize farming across BRICS nations.
- Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems: Coordinated by India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), the forum seeks to protect farmers’ seed rights, preserve indigenous varieties, and safeguard traditional knowledge against erosion.
- BRICS AGRIN (Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network): This framework will enhance cooperation on seeds, inputs, and genetic resources through information exchange and technical partnerships.
Additionally, ministers agreed to strengthen the existing BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (BARP) into a “Knowledge-to-Action Hub” and reaffirmed support for a fair multilateral trading system, including discussions on a potential BRICS Grain Exchange.
Focus on Small Farmers, Women, Youth, and Climate Challenges
A dedicated Ministerial Dialogue titled “Small Farmers, Women and Youth: Shaping the Future of Food Security” highlighted the need to empower these groups with better access to markets, finance, technology, and skills. Delegates stressed inclusive growth to build resilient food systems.
Addressing potential climate threats like El Niño, Chouhan noted ongoing preparations and information-sharing mechanisms among BRICS nations. On rising fertilizer costs amid global disruptions, he assured that India would continue subsidizing key inputs like urea (Rs 266 per bag) and DAP (Rs 1,350 per bag), with the government absorbing additional costs to shield farmers.
The conference also featured bilateral meetings and a symbolic tree plantation at Meghdoot Garden, establishing “BRICS Vatika” to underscore environmental commitment.
Broader Context and Implications for Global South
BRICS agriculture cooperation builds on previous action plans, now transitioning toward more ambitious 2025-2028 goals emphasizing sustainability, equity, and South-South collaboration. The Indore outcomes align with global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and supply chain vulnerabilities, while promoting innovation in areas like fisheries, livestock, food loss reduction, and aquaculture.
Experts view this as a timely response to pressures on global food systems. With BRICS expanding to include partners, the platform offers a model for multilateralism that prioritizes developing nations’ needs over traditional North-dominated frameworks. India’s leadership in hosting and driving these initiatives highlights its growing role in global agricultural governance.
The declaration’s farmer-centric approach recognizes smallholders as the backbone of food security. By integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, BRICS aims to create scalable solutions that enhance productivity while protecting the environment.
Path Forward and Implementation
Ministers committed to sustained implementation, with India playing a pivotal coordinating role in several initiatives. Regular monitoring through working groups and research platforms will ensure progress. The emphasis on digital tools and regenerative practices could particularly benefit small farmers in adapting to climate variability and improving yields sustainably.
As BRICS prepares for broader summits, the Indore Declaration sets a strong agricultural agenda that could influence international forums like the FAO and COP meetings. It reinforces the bloc’s vision of inclusive, sustainable development.
Chouhan expressed optimism that these steps would not only strengthen intra-BRICS ties but also contribute to global food security and rural prosperity. The initiatives are expected to facilitate technology transfer, capacity building, and trade facilitation, ultimately benefiting millions of farmers across member countries.
Chouhan said that the Indore Declaration represents more than a diplomatic agreement – it is a blueprint for resilient, equitable, and future-ready agriculture. “As BRICS nations move from declaration to action, the world watches to see how these collaborative platforms deliver on-ground impact for farmers and food systems worldwide,” he said.
Focus Keyphrase: Indore Declaration BRICS Agriculture
Tags: BRICS, Indore Declaration, Agriculture Ministers Meeting, Sustainable Farming, Food Security, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Regenerative Agriculture, Digital Agriculture, Farmers Rights, Global South Cooperation,
