The two-day BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Conference began today in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed all delegates and stressed carrying forward the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the idea that the whole world is one family. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s approach is built on peace over war and cooperation over conflict.
The Minister spoke about India’s achievements in agriculture. He said that over the past decade, the sector has recorded an average annual growth of around 4.5 per cent. The country’s total food production has risen to nearly 376 million tonnes. He pointed out that about 87 per cent of India’s farmers are small and marginal farmers, and empowering them is the real key to inclusive development.
Today is the fourth day of this five-day international BRICS Agriculture Conference, and the most important ministerial dialogue is being held. The theme of the session is “Food Security for the Future through Small Farmers, Women and Youth.” Wide-ranging discussions are taking place on food security, climate change, digital technology, and the role of women farmers.
This conference, held under India’s presidency, is not limited to BRICS member countries alone. The participation of partner nations has made it a significant platform for global agricultural cooperation. Experts believe that the strategies emerging from this conference will shape food production and nutrition security in the years to come.