The BRICS countries on Saturday adopted the Indore Declaration, which committed to deepening cooperation in agriculture and launching a series of new initiatives, including a global forum on farmers’ seed rights, a digital agricultural network and a platform for agroecology and regenerative agriculture, PTI reported.These decisions were taken at the end of a five-day meeting of agriculture ministers and officials from BRICS countries held under the chairmanship of India.Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said member states have agreed on several new institutional mechanisms, with India playing a coordinating role in several of them.According to the Indore Declaration, the BRICS countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing food and nutrition security, improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, increasing the participation of women and youth in agriculture, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, and enhancing cooperation in agricultural trade and investment.Member states also affirmed their commitment to a “fair, comprehensive and transparent” multilateral trading system and discussed necessary measures to facilitate agricultural trade.
Global Farmer Seed Rights Forum
Among key decisions, the BRICS countries agreed to establish a “Global Forum 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.
The forum will focus on farmers’ seed rights, preserving local seed diversity and preserving traditional agricultural knowledge.
India coordinates the AGREIN network
Member states also agreed to establish the BRICS AGRIN network to facilitate cooperation on agricultural inputs and genetic resources and exchange of information.India will serve as the coordinating country for the network.According to Chauhan, the platform will support the exchange of agricultural resources, technical information, and best practices between member states.
Grain exchange proposal moves forward
The group also agreed to continue discussions on operationalizing the proposed BRICS Grain Exchange, which aims to boost food grain trade and supply chains among member countries.Chouhan said the initiative could improve food grain trade, market linkages and supply chain cooperation across BRICS countries.
focus on Climate resilient agriculture
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, the BRICS countries agreed to establish a “BRICS Network of Centers of Excellence” in agroecology and regenerative agriculture.The initial coordination work will be undertaken by the Indian Institute of Agricultural Systems Research, Modipuram, working under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Digital Agriculture Network approved
Member states also agreed to establish a Digital Agriculture Network to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), geospatial technologies and other digital solutions in agriculture.The initial coordination of the network will be done by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
Research platform to become the center of action
Chouhan said the BRICS countries also agreed to strengthen the BRICS agricultural research platform and turn it into a “knowledge-to-action hub” to ensure that research results reach farmers more quickly.According to the minister, the initiatives aim to empower small and marginal farmers, enhance food security and make agriculture more sustainable and resilient.About 100 delegates participated in the five-day meeting, including about 60 foreign representatives from member states and partners.Chouhan said the decisions reflect the shared commitment of the BRICS countries to address common agricultural challenges through innovation, technology and knowledge sharing.He pointed out that the BRICS countries represent nearly half of the world’s population, represent about 42% of global agricultural land, and contribute about 42% of global food grain production.He added that greater cooperation between countries could play an important role in enhancing 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.
