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Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called for global strategies that prioritize the welfare of small and marginal farmers during the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasilia.
Representing India, Chouhan emphasized that agriculture in India goes beyond economics; it’s a source of food, livelihood, and dignity for millions.
Small Farmers: The Core of Global Food Security
Union Minister Chouhan highlighted that the world’s 510 million smallholder farmers form the backbone of the global food system but remain the most vulnerable.
“They face the brunt of climate change, price volatility, and limited resources. We cannot expect them to fight alone, they need targeted policy support,” he said.
India Backs Inclusive And Sustainable Agriculture
India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agriculture. Chouhan shared India’s focus on empowering small farmers through cluster-based farming, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperative models, and natural farming techniques.
These approaches, he said, are improving market access and enhancing resilience for smallholders.
India’s Food Security Strategy During COVID-19
Citing India’s food distribution success during the pandemic, Chouhan noted that the government distributed free rations to over 800 million people, showcasing the country’s strong food storage and supply systems.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan showcased several tech-driven initiatives under India’s agricultural transformation, including:
- Digital Agriculture Mission
- AgriStack
- Drone Technology
- Climate-Resilient Villages
“These technologies have enhanced transparency, improved service delivery, and increased farmer incomes,” he added.
Empowering Rural Women: A National Priority
He also spotlighted programs like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi as symbols of India’s commitment to women’s empowerment in rural areas.
“For India, empowering women socially, economically, and politically is not just a goal, it’s a mission,” Chouhan said.
BRICS Adopts Joint Declaration On Agri-Food Systems
The BRICS nations collectively adopted a Joint Declaration to promote a fair, innovative, and sustainable global agri-food system. The declaration highlighted commitments to:
- Strengthen food security
- Promote climate adaptation
- Empower women and youth
- Advance sustainable fisheries and livestock development
- Restore soil and land
- Expand digital agriculture certification
- Facilitate trade and financial access for agricultural economies in the Global South
BRICS Launches Land Restoration Partnership
The group formally announced the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership, aimed at halting land degradation and desertification, a move reaffirming the collective resolve to restore ecological balance while promoting agricultural resilience.
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