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IndiAgri Bureau
Indore: The two-day BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting commenced in Indore on Thursday, with India calling for stronger international cooperation to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers and ensure global food security.
Addressing the inaugural session, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted India's agricultural progress over the past decade and urged BRICS nations to work together on sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, technological innovation and farmer welfare.
Speaking before delegates from BRICS member countries, Chouhan said India’s approach to global engagement is rooted in the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) and guided by cooperation and peace. He stressed that global agricultural challenges such as climate change, shrinking natural resources, rising cultivation costs and market uncertainties require collective solutions.
"Small and marginal farmers are at the centre of global food security. Strengthening their economic and technological capabilities is essential for building a resilient agricultural system worldwide," Chouhan said.
Presenting India's agricultural achievements, the minister said the country’s agriculture sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 percent over the last ten years.
India's total foodgrain production has reached around 376 million tonnes, while wheat production is approaching 118 million tonnes. Horticulture output has crossed 378 million tonnes and fish production has exceeded 19 million tonnes, reflecting growth across multiple farm and allied sectors.
He also highlighted India's large-scale food security initiatives, which provide support to millions of citizens while ensuring nutritional security.
According to Chouhan, nearly 87 percent of India's farmers belong to the small and marginal category, making their empowerment critical for inclusive rural development.
He pointed to flagship schemes such as PM-KISAN, which provides direct income support to farmers, along with the Kisan Credit Card programme and crop insurance schemes that help farmers manage financial risks and production uncertainties.
"Agricultural development cannot be inclusive unless small farmers have access to financial support, technology and markets," he said.
The minister underlined the importance of sustainable farming practices, including natural farming and balanced fertiliser use.
He said preserving soil health and reducing excessive dependence on chemical inputs will be crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability. Chouhan also referred to the ongoing "Khet Bachao Abhiyan" campaign, which is promoting scientific farming practices and encouraging farmers to adopt natural and organic methods.
Highlighting the role of women in agriculture, Chouhan said women-led Self-Help Groups are increasingly contributing to rural economic development and agricultural transformation.
He cited the "Drone Didi" initiative as an example of how women are gaining access to modern agricultural technologies and emerging as leaders in rural innovation.
The minister also noted that young people are bringing fresh energy into the sector through agri-startups, digital agriculture and technology-driven solutions. Increased participation of youth, he said, is helping modernise Indian agriculture and make it more future-ready.
Concluding his address, Chouhan urged BRICS nations to deepen cooperation through technology exchange, policy dialogue and shared learning.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among member countries would help address common agricultural challenges, strengthen food security and promote sustainable farming systems globally.
The BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting is expected to deliberate on issues related to climate-resilient agriculture, innovation, food systems and farmer welfare during its two-day deliberations in Indore.
