The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting concluded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with member countries unanimously adopting a Joint Declaration that outlines a shared roadmap for strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture, innovation and farmer welfare across BRICS nations.
Held under India’s Presidency on June 12 and 13, the meeting brought together Agriculture Ministers, Vice and Deputy Ministers, senior officials and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries. Around 100 delegates participated in discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in agriculture and food systems.
The Joint Declaration reflects the collective commitment of BRICS countries to build resilient agricultural systems through innovation, sustainability and inclusive development. The declaration places particular emphasis on farmer-centric approaches, recognising the role of farmers, especially smallholders, in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable rural development.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to establish the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture. The initiative will be initially coordinated by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming System Research (IIFSR), Modipuram, which will serve as India’s Centre of Excellence on Natural Farming. The network aims to promote climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices through collaborative research, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
In another key decision, member countries agreed to create a Network on Digital Agriculture to strengthen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, digital public infrastructure and data-driven agricultural solutions. The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi will coordinate the initiative during its initial phase.
The ministers also approved the launch of the Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems. The forum, to be coordinated initially by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi, will focus on safeguarding farmers’ rights, preserving traditional knowledge and promoting dialogue on seed heritage and farmer contributions.
To enhance cooperation in agricultural inputs and genetic resources, BRICS countries agreed to establish the BRICS AGRIN (Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) Framework. The framework will facilitate information sharing, technical cooperation, capacity building and partnerships among member nations.
The meeting also resolved to strengthen existing initiatives. The BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (BARP) will be transformed into a “Knowledge-to-Action Hub” to ensure that research outcomes are translated into practical solutions for farmers. In the area of trade, member countries reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, transparent and inclusive multilateral trading system and welcomed progress in discussions on the proposed BRICS Grain Exchange.
The ministers further agreed to deepen cooperation in climate-resilient agriculture, biodiversity conservation, fisheries, livestock development and food security. They also endorsed the integration of outcomes from technical discussions on food loss reduction, livestock technologies and aquaculture into future programmes aimed at improving efficiency, nutrition security and farmer incomes.
Reaffirming their commitment to South-South cooperation, BRICS nations pledged to expand technical exchanges, capacity building initiatives and agricultural skill development programmes to support sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
A Ministerial Dialogue on “Small Farmers, Women and Youth: Shaping the Future of Food Security” highlighted the need to improve access to markets, finance, technology and training for these groups. Delegates stressed that empowering smallholders, women and youth is essential for building resilient and inclusive food systems.
The meeting also facilitated bilateral discussions among participating countries on issues such as market access and agricultural cooperation. Delegates took part in a tree plantation drive, including the creation of a “BRICS Vatika”, symbolising the grouping’s commitment to sustainability, climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
