Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chauhan attended the BRICS Agriculture Ministers' conference in Indore to advance global food security [1].
This gathering represents a strategic effort by the BRICS nations to align agricultural policies and support small-scale farmers across emerging economies. By establishing a shared framework for sustainable farming, these nations aim to stabilize food supplies and improve rural livelihoods in the face of global climate volatility.
The conference took place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where representatives from the BRICS bloc spent five days deliberating on agricultural cooperation [3]. During the sessions, Chauhan presented India's specific vision for empowering small farmers and enhancing the resilience of food systems [1, 2].
These discussions culminated in the adoption of the Indore Declaration. The declaration includes four key decisions designed to guide future cooperation among the member states, reports said [1]. The agreement focuses on strengthening the capacity of smallholders, and promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term food security [2].
Chauhan said the bloc's collective action is important in addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. The Indore Declaration serves as a roadmap for these nations to share technology, research, and policy frameworks — aiming to reduce the vulnerability of rural populations to market shocks [1, 2].
The meeting in Madhya Pradesh highlights India's growing role as a coordinator for agricultural innovation within the BRICS framework. By centering the needs of small farmers, the declaration seeks to create a more equitable distribution of agricultural resources across the participating nations [1, 2].
“BRICS countries will deliberate on agriculture for five days in Indore”
The Indore Declaration signals a shift toward more formalized agricultural cooperation among BRICS nations, specifically targeting the systemic vulnerabilities of small-scale farmers. By codifying these goals, the bloc is attempting to create a counterweight to Western-led agricultural standards, prioritizing food sovereignty and sustainable development within the Global South.
