BRICS Indore Declaration sets out agriculture cooperation and farmers' seed rights forum

BRICS agriculture ministers ended a five-day meeting under India’s presidency by issuing the Indore Declaration on Saturday. The declaration confirmed plans to deepen farm cooperation and improve seed systems. It also announced joint steps on trade, research, climate action and digital tools. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India will coordinate several new mechanisms.

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Chouhan said agriculture ministers and officials from BRICS nations took part. Around 100 delegates attended, including nearly 60 foreign representatives from member and partner countries. Chouhan said the talks focused on shared farm challenges. The grouping also discussed ways to work together through innovation, technology and knowledge-sharing.

BRICS Indore Declaration focus on food security and farmers

Chouhan said the Indore Declaration reaffirmed goals on food and nutrition security. It also stressed better livelihoods for small and marginal farmers. The declaration backed higher participation of women and youth. It also supported climate-resilient and sustainable farming. Chouhan said members also aimed to expand cooperation in agricultural trade and investment.

Chouhan told reporters the countries reiterated support for a fair trading system. The minister said the system should be inclusive and transparent. Members also discussed steps to ease agricultural trade. Chouhan linked stronger cooperation to better market access. The talks also covered how trade and supply chains can stay steady.

BRICS Indore Declaration sets seed systems and AGRIN network

Chouhan said the countries agreed to set up a Global Forum on Farmers Rights in Seed Systems. The forum aims to promote farmers rights and protect traditional knowledge tied to seeds. Chouhan said India will coordinate the forum. The minister added it would support farmers seed rights and conserve indigenous seed diversity.

The minister said members also agreed to launch the BRICS AGRIN Network. The network is meant to support cooperation on agricultural inputs. It will also cover genetic resources and information-sharing. Chouhan said India will coordinate this network as well. The network will help share resources, technical information and best practices.

BRICS Indore Declaration backs grain exchange and climate networks

Chouhan said the group decided to keep discussing a proposed BRICS Grain Exchange. The exchange is aimed at improving foodgrain trade among members. It is also meant to strengthen supply chains and market linkages. Chouhan said the initiative could support foodgrain trade flows. Members agreed to continue work on how to operationalise it.

Chouhan said climate change concerns led to another decision. BRICS agreed to create a BRICS Centres of Excellence Network in agroecology. It will also cover regenerative agriculture. Chouhan said initial coordination will be handled by the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram. The institute works under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ICAR.

BRICS Indore Declaration includes digital agriculture and research platform

The member countries also endorsed a Digital Agriculture Network, Chouhan said. The network will promote artificial intelligence AI, Internet of Things IoT and geospatial tools. It will also support other digital solutions for farming. Chouhan said the Indian Institute of Technology IIT Delhi will handle initial coordination. The aim is to support practical use of technology in agriculture.

Chouhan said BRICS members will strengthen the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform. The plan is to develop it into a Knowledge to Action Hub. Chouhan said this would help research outcomes reach farmers faster. The minister said the initiatives were aimed at helping small and marginal farmers. The steps also aim to improve food security and resilience.

Chouhan said BRICS countries represent nearly half the world’s population. The minister said they account for about 42 per cent of global agricultural land. Chouhan added they contribute roughly 42 per cent of global foodgrain production. BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It now also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

With inputs from PTI