Indore set to host 16th BRICS agriculture ministers’ meeting on June 12-13

Indore: The city is gearing up to host the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting on June 12-13, bringing together agriculture ministers, senior officials and delegates from BRICS member and partner countries to discuss key issues related to agriculture, food security and sustainable development.

Ahead of the ministerial meeting, delegates from several participating countries, including Brazil, South Africa and Ethiopia, visited Indore on Sunday to familiarize themselves with the city and its cultural heritage. The visit was facilitated by the Indore Smart City Project and the Indore Municipal Corporation.

During their stay, the delegates explored some of Indore’s prominent attractions and experienced the city's hospitality. They also visited the popular 56 Dukan food street, where they sampled local cuisine and gained insights into India's rich culinary traditions.

The ministerial meeting comes at a time when global agriculture faces multiple challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, resource degradation and disruptions in agricultural supply chains. Against this backdrop, BRICS nations are expected to strengthen cooperation and explore collaborative solutions to improve agricultural resilience and sustainability.

Prior to the main event, deputy representatives from participating countries will meet from June 9 to 11 to hold detailed discussions on emerging opportunities and challenges in the agriculture sector. Their deliberations are expected to help shape the agenda and outcomes of the ministerial meeting.

Under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026, four meetings of the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) have already been completed. These sessions focused on food security, sustainable agricultural practices, innovation, climate resilience and the development of resilient food systems. The recommendations emerging from these discussions are expected to form the basis of ministerial-level decisions in Indore.

According to officials, the upcoming discussions will cover a broad range of topics, including agricultural trade and cooperation, value chain development, market opportunities, technological innovation, knowledge sharing and climate-resilient farming practices. Delegates are also expected to discuss regenerative agriculture, soil health management and sustainable use of natural resources.

A major focus of the meeting will be on empowering smallholder farmers and increasing the participation of women and youth in agriculture. Member countries are expected to exchange ideas on improving livelihoods, strengthening rural economies and advancing global food security goals.

India's BRICS Chairship has also promoted technical cooperation in areas such as reducing food loss and waste, fisheries and aquaculture development, and advanced livestock technologies. These initiatives have provided a platform for countries to share best practices and innovative approaches to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

India holds the BRICS Chairship from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Having previously chaired the grouping in 2012, 2016 and 2021, the country has continued to emphasize practical collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange among member nations.

The outcomes of the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting are expected to contribute to stronger agricultural cooperation among BRICS countries while supporting efforts to build resilient, sustainable and inclusive food systems capable of addressing future global challenges.