At the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, held amid rising global concerns around food insecurity, climate change, and rural inequality, India once again asserted its unwavering commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agricultural future. Representing India, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan articulated a powerful vision for agriculture—not merely as an economic enterprise, but as a sacred lifeline that provides livelihood, food, and dignity to millions of Indian families.
This perspective sets the tone for India’s growing leadership on global agricultural policy, especially in forums like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), where cooperation among emerging economies is crucial to redefining global agri-food systems.
Smallholder Farmers at the Core of Global Food Security
In his keynote address, Shri Chouhan passionately argued that the global pursuit of food security and rural development would be incomplete without protecting and empowering small and marginal farmers. The world’s 510 million smallholder farmers form the backbone of the global food system, yet they remain the most vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, market volatility, and resource depletion. Shri Chouhan emphasized that these farmers cannot be left to fend for themselves; they need robust policy support, innovative tools, and sustainable practices that can cushion them against structural shocks.
India’s model—featuring cluster-based farming, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperative structures, and natural farming—was presented as a blueprint for other nations. These frameworks, according to the Minister, not only enable better resource utilization but also improve smallholder access to markets, finance, and technology.
Advocating for Fair Agricultural Trade and Price Stability
The meeting also highlighted the urgent need to make international agricultural trade more equitable. Shri Chouhan stressed that price volatility in global markets disproportionately affects small farmers and undermines food sovereignty. To address this, he reiterated India’s support for mechanisms such as minimum support prices (MSPs), public food stockholding, and inclusive value chains.
India’s success during the COVID-19 crisis was cited as a testament to the strength of its food distribution and storage systems. Over 800 million people received free rations, illustrating how public welfare mechanisms can function effectively even in times of global uncertainty.
Digital Transformation and Technological Innovation
Shri Chouhan underscored India’s strides in digital agriculture as key to transforming rural livelihoods. Initiatives such as the Digital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack, and Climate-Resilient Villages have not only boosted transparency but also enhanced delivery of services and incomes for farmers.
He also spotlighted the use of drones for precision agriculture under the “Drone Didi” program and the empowerment of rural women through the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative. “For India, empowering women socially, economically, and politically is a mission,” he said, emphasizing the gendered dimensions of rural development and the need for inclusive innovation.
Sustainable Practices and Climate Action
In alignment with its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India championed environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Shri Chouhan shared details of flagship programs like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), and the Waste to Wealth Mission. He called for deeper collaboration among BRICS nations to develop bio-fertilizers, promote circular economy principles, and merge traditional wisdom with modern science.
A landmark moment at the meeting was the launch of the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership, aimed at combating land degradation, desertification, and the loss of soil fertility. Shri Chouhan expressed strong support for this initiative, noting its potential to uplift smallholders, tribal communities, and indigenous cultivators by harmonizing ecological restoration with livelihood generation.
The Joint Declaration: A Blueprint for Global Agri-Food Transformation
The meeting culminated in a powerful Joint Declaration, where BRICS nations collectively vowed to create an agri-food system that is fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. The declaration included commitments to:
- Food and nutritional security
- Empowerment of women and youth
- Climate adaptation and mitigation
- Sustainable fisheries and livestock development
- Digital certification for agriculture
- Strengthening of agri-finance and trade frameworks, particularly for the Global South
These collective goals signal a turning point in how major emerging economies intend to shape global agricultural discourse—centered not on industrial exploitation, but on empowerment, equity, and environmental harmony.
India’s Global Call to Collaborate
Positioning India as a hub for agri-tech and food innovation, Shri Chouhan invited BRICS nations to participate in World Food India 2025 and the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025. These events aim to serve as platforms for cross-sectoral collaboration, investment, and knowledge exchange, further strengthening global cooperation in the agri-food space.
Concluding with a Vedic benediction—“May all be happy, may all be healthy, may there be welfare and well-being for all”—Shri Chouhan encapsulated India’s holistic approach to agriculture and sustainability. His message resonated beyond policy circles, offering a moral framework rooted in India’s civilizational values and democratic ethos.
Conclusion: India’s Leadership in Global Agricultural Diplomacy
India’s strong, values-driven participation in the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting reflects its growing influence in shaping international agricultural narratives. As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental, economic, and social challenges, India’s call for inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-centric agriculture provides both a roadmap and a moral compass.
By integrating policy, technology, and tradition, India is not just responding to current challenges—it is helping reimagine a food system that is resilient, just, and sustainable for generations to come.
