A five-day meeting of BRICS member countries commenced in Indore on Tuesday, with discussions centered on food security, climate-resilient agriculture, farmer welfare, and enhanced cooperation among member nations in the agriculture sector. Officials from BRICS countries participated in the opening round of talks under India's BRICS chairmanship, as reported by PTI.
Key Topics Under Discussion
A senior official from the Department of Agriculture stated that issues such as food security, the impact of climate change on farming, and strengthening agricultural cooperation are among the primary topics being deliberated. Ajit Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, told reporters, "The meeting is discussing common issues in the agricultural sector of BRICS countries to enhance cooperation and jointly address the problems faced by farmers. These include issues such as the impact of climate change on agriculture and financing for the agricultural sector."
Sahu highlighted that BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world's population, making food security a critical area of common concern. "BRICS countries are home to nearly half the world's population, and therefore, ensuring food security in these countries and maintaining it in the future is an important common topic of discussion," he said. He added, "Agriculture ensures food security and nutritional security. Therefore, agricultural development is essential."
Agricultural Technology and Trade
The meeting is also discussing the exchange of agricultural technology and ways to boost trade among BRICS nations. According to Sahu, around eight meetings have already been held under four sessions of the Agriculture Working Group, while the fifth session, which started in Indore, is being conducted in person. The Agriculture Working Group will continue its deliberations until June 11.
A meeting of agriculture ministers from BRICS and partner countries is scheduled to take place on June 12 and 13, Sahu confirmed.
Inaugural Session and Future Plans
Earlier in the day, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary Atish Chandra led the inaugural session of the conference. Officials noted that discussions during the five-day event will cover food security, farmer welfare, nutrition, climate-friendly smart agriculture, international agricultural trade, supply chains, digital agriculture, research, knowledge sharing, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.
A joint declaration is expected to be issued after agriculture ministers of the participating countries reach a consensus on key issues.
