New Delhi, June 13: India has called for stronger cooperation among BRICS nations to empower small and marginal farmers, strengthen global food security and promote sustainable agricultural development in the face of growing climate and economic challenges.
The appeal was made by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan while addressing a two-day conference of agriculture ministers from BRICS countries in Indore. The meeting brought together representatives from member nations to discuss common agricultural concerns and explore collaborative approaches to improving food systems and rural livelihoods.
Speaking at the conference, Chouhan stressed that collective action by BRICS countries could play a significant role in shaping the future of global agriculture. He said cooperation among the member nations could help address pressing issues affecting farmers while contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural system.
The minister highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening international agricultural partnerships and promoting collaborative solutions to global challenges. He said the conference provided an important opportunity for member countries to jointly examine issues affecting small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of agricultural production in many developing economies.
According to Chouhan, farmers across the world are facing increasing pressures from climate change, degradation of natural resources, rising cultivation costs and uncertainties in agricultural markets. These challenges, he noted, require coordinated responses that combine innovation, sustainability and farmer-centric policies.
He emphasised that improving the economic and technological capabilities of small farmers is essential for strengthening global food security. If small and marginal farmers are able to access modern technology, quality inputs and reliable markets, agricultural production systems can become more resilient and better equipped to meet future food demands, he said.
Highlighting India’s agricultural performance over the past decade, Chouhan noted that the country’s agriculture sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 per cent. He said sustained policy support, technological advancements and improved agricultural practices have contributed to increased production across multiple sectors.
India’s total foodgrain production has now reached nearly 376 million tonnes, reflecting continued growth in agricultural output. Wheat production has approached 118 million tonnes, while horticulture production has crossed 378 million tonnes, underscoring the diversification and expansion of the sector.
The minister also pointed to significant growth in fisheries, with fish production exceeding 19 million tonnes. The increase reflects the growing importance of allied sectors in supporting rural livelihoods and enhancing income opportunities for farming communities.
Chouhan highlighted the importance of agriculture within India’s economy, noting that approximately 43 per cent of the country’s workforce remains engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. This makes the sector a critical source of employment, income generation and food production.
He further observed that nearly 87 per cent of Indian farmers belong to the small and marginal category, making their welfare central to national agricultural policy. Supporting these farmers through access to technology, finance, infrastructure and market opportunities remains a key priority, he said.
The minister also highlighted India’s efforts to ensure food security through one of the world’s largest public food distribution systems. Such initiatives, he noted, play a vital role in protecting vulnerable populations while maintaining stability in food supply chains.
The discussions at the BRICS conference are expected to focus on areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable resource management, agricultural innovation and international cooperation. Member nations are exploring ways to share best practices and strengthen partnerships that can benefit farmers across different regions.
Agriculture experts have increasingly emphasised the need for global collaboration as climate-related disruptions, resource constraints and market volatility continue to affect food production worldwide. Platforms such as BRICS provide opportunities for emerging economies to exchange knowledge and develop common strategies to address these challenges.
India’s call for greater support to small farmers reflects a broader recognition that the future of food security depends significantly on strengthening the resilience and productivity of millions of small-scale producers who sustain agricultural systems across the developing world.
