By Soniya:
The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting, held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, concluded with the unanimous adoption of a Joint Declaration aimed at strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture, innovation, and farmer welfare across member nations. Hosted under India’s BRICS Presidency on June 12–13, 2026, the meeting brought together agriculture ministers and officials from BRICS countries to discuss collaborative solutions for global agricultural challenges.
A major outcome of the meeting was the launch of the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture, which will initially be coordinated by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming System Research (IIFSR), Modipuram. The initiative seeks to promote sustainable farming practices, climate-resilient agriculture, and knowledge sharing among member countries.
The ministers also approved the establishment of a BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, to be coordinated by IIT Delhi. The network will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence, geospatial technologies, digital public infrastructure, and smart farming solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Another significant decision was the creation of the Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems, coordinated by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi. The forum will promote farmer rights, protect traditional agricultural knowledge, and support biodiversity conservation.
To further deepen cooperation, BRICS nations endorsed the BRICS AGRIN Framework (Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network), which will facilitate collaboration in agricultural inputs, genetic resource management, technical exchanges, and capacity building.
The meeting also emphasized support for small farmers, women, and youth, highlighting the need to improve access to markets, finance, technology, and skill development. Member countries reaffirmed their commitment to South-South cooperation through agricultural training, knowledge-sharing partnerships, and technical collaboration.
As a symbol of sustainability and environmental commitment, delegates participated in a tree plantation drive and established a “BRICS Vatika”, reflecting the grouping’s focus on climate resilience and green development.
Key Highlights
- Joint Declaration adopted at the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting.
- BRICS Centres of Excellence on Agroecology launched.
- New Digital Agriculture Network to be coordinated by IIT Delhi.
- Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems established.
- BRICS AGRIN Framework approved for enhanced agricultural cooperation.
- Focus on food security, sustainable farming, and climate resilience.
- Special emphasis on small farmers, women, and youth in agriculture.
