India has reiterated its dedication to promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices during the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the significance of prioritizing the welfare of small and marginal farmers, framing agriculture not merely as an economic pursuit but as an essential source of livelihood, dignity, and sustenance for millions of Indian families.
Speaking at the summit, the minister highlighted the pivotal role of the world’s 510 million smallholder farmers, describing them as the cornerstone of the global food system. Acknowledging their vulnerability to challenges such as climate change, price volatility, and resource scarcity, he asserted that these farmers require robust policy support. Chouhan pointed to models like cluster-based farming, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperative structures, and natural farming as crucial mechanisms to empower small farmers collectively, thereby enhancing their access to markets and improving economic security.
The summit witnessed discussions on ensuring fairness in agricultural trade, stabilizing global food prices, and guaranteeing remunerative prices for small farmers. Chouhan underscored the importance of public food stockholding systems, minimum support prices, and value chains that directly connect smallholders with consumers. Reflecting on India’s effective response during the COVID-19 pandemic, he highlighted the nation’s capability to store and distribute food, which enabled the provision of free rations to over 800 million people.
In his address, the minister elaborated on India’s innovative strides in the agricultural sector through initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack, and drone technology. He also showcased the transformative impact of programs such as Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi, which are empowering rural women socially and economically. For India, Chouhan stated, empowering women across social, economic, and political dimensions is a critical mission.
Further underlining India’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges, Chouhan urged deeper international collaboration to tackle climate change. He shared key national programs, including the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), and traditional farming practices aligned with waste-to-wealth concepts and the circular economy. The BRICS Agriculture Ministers formally launched the “BRICS Land Restoration Partnership” during the summit, aimed at combating land degradation, desertification, and soil fertility loss. Chouhan commended the initiative and highlighted its potential to benefit small farmers, tribal communities, and local cultivators by integrating traditional knowledge with scientific innovation.
The joint declaration adopted at the summit reinforced a collective resolve to create a fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable global agri-food system. The declaration emphasized commitments to food security, climate adaptation, women’s empowerment, youth participation, sustainable livestock and fisheries development, digital agriculture certification, and mechanisms for financial and trade support in the agricultural economies of the Global South.
In conclusion, Chouhan extended an invitation to BRICS nations to join India in two upcoming global events, the World Food India 2025 and the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025. He positioned these events as pivotal platforms for innovation and international collaboration. Ending his address with a reference to ancient Vedic values, Chouhan shared a universal wish for happiness, health, welfare, and well-being for all, reflecting India’s broader vision for both national progress and global leadership.
