The BRICS countries on Saturday adopted the “Indore Declaration”, committing to deeper cooperation in agriculture and launching a series of new initiatives including a global platform on farmers’ seed rights, a digital agriculture network and a platform for agroecology and regenerative farming, PTI reported.These decisions were taken at the end of a five-day meeting of agriculture ministers and officials of BRICS countries held under the chairmanship of India.Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the member countries have agreed on several new institutional mechanisms, in many of which India is playing a coordinating role.According to the Indore Declaration, the BRICS countries reiterated their commitment to strengthen food and nutrition security, improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, increase participation of women and youth in agriculture, promote climate-resilient and sustainable farming, and enhance cooperation in agricultural trade and investment.Member countries reiterated their commitment to a “fair, inclusive and transparent” multilateral trading system and discussed measures to facilitate agricultural trade.
Global Forum on Farmers’ Seed Rights
In key decisions, BRICS nations agreed to establish a ‘Global Platform on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems’ to promote farmers’ rights and preserve traditional knowledge associated with seed systems.“India will coordinate this initiative,” Chouhan said.This platform will focus on farmers’ seed rights, conservation of indigenous seed diversity and preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge.
India to coordinate AGRIN network
The member countries also agreed to create a BRICS Agri Network to facilitate cooperation in agricultural inputs, genetic resources and information-sharing.India will serve as the coordinating country for the network.According to Chauhan, the platform will support exchange of agricultural resources, technical know-how and best practices among the member countries.
Grain exchange proposal moves forward
The group also agreed to continue discussions on the operationalization of the proposed “BRICS Grain Exchange” with the aim of strengthening food grain trade and supply chains among member countries.Chouhan said this initiative can improve food grain trade, market connectivity and supply-chain cooperation among BRICS countries.
focus climate-resilient farming
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, the BRICS countries agreed to establish a ‘BRICS Centers of Excellence Network’ in Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture.The Indian Agricultural Systems Research Institute, Modipuram, functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will do the initial coordination work.
Digital agriculture network approved
Member countries also supported the creation of a Digital Agriculture Network to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), geospatial technologies and other digital solutions in agriculture.Initial coordination for the network will be handled by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
Research platform will become action hub
Chouhan said the BRICS countries have also agreed to strengthen the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform and transform it into a “knowledge to action hub” to ensure that research results reach farmers faster.According to the minister, the initiative aims to empower small and marginal farmers, strengthen food security and make agriculture more sustainable and resilient.The five-day meeting was attended by around 100 delegates, including around 60 foreign delegates, from member and partner countries.Chouhan said these decisions reflect the shared commitment of the BRICS countries to address common agricultural challenges through innovation, technology and knowledge-sharing.He said the BRICS countries represent almost half of the world’s population, hold about 42% of global agricultural land and contribute about 42% of global food grain production.He said that better cooperation between countries can play an important role in strengthening global food security.BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The bloc has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.