Bhopal/Indore/New Delhi  Madhya Pradesh will emerge as a key centre of global agricultural diplomacy from June 9 to 13 as India hosts the BRICS Agricultural Working Group meetings and the BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting. Being held under India's presidency and guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision, the high-level engagement is expected to shape cooperation among BRICS nations on critical issues such as food security, sustainable agriculture, agricultural innovation and the welfare of smallholder farmers.

Addressing a press conference in Bhopal on Monday, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the event presents a matter of pride for India and, in particular, for Madhya Pradesh and Indore, which will welcome delegates from BRICS member countries.

Highlighting the significance of the grouping, Shri Chouhan said BRICS countries represent an influential voice of the developing world. Together, they account for nearly 42 per cent of the world's agricultural land and contribute more than 42 per cent of global agricultural production. He pointed out that almost 70 per cent of the world's estimated 580 million farmers are small and marginal farmers living in BRICS nations, making cooperation among these countries vital for global food security.

He said India's approach to agriculture under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership extends beyond increasing production and places equal emphasis on food and nutrition security, enhancing farmers' incomes, generating employment and ensuring sustainable development.

Referring to the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform established during India's presidency in 2016, Shri Chouhan said the mechanism has played a crucial role in promoting research, innovation and technological collaboration among member countries. He informed that eight meetings of the BRICS Agricultural Working Group have already been held under India's current presidency, covering issues such as food security, fisheries, animal husbandry, agricultural trade and technology cooperation. The deliberations in Indore are expected to build further consensus and develop concrete strategies in these areas.

The Union Minister said special emphasis would be placed on addressing the concerns of small and marginal farmers, who continue to face challenges such as fragmented landholdings, limited resources and inadequate market access. Discussions will focus on improving productivity while reducing cultivation costs, expanding access to agricultural credit, strengthening market linkages and ensuring that the benefits of scientific research reach farmers more effectively.

Shri Chouhan said women and youth would occupy a central place in the discussions. While women form a significant part of the agricultural workforce, young people are driving innovation and adopting new technologies at a faster pace. A dedicated session on June 12 will deliberate on the theme, "Future Food Security Through Women and Youth."

According to the Union Minister, the BRICS Agricultural Working Group is focusing on four broad priorities — food security and nutrition, agricultural trade and cooperation, climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, and innovation and research partnerships. He said ensuring access to safe and nutritious food in the face of growing populations and changing climate patterns remains one of the world's most pressing challenges, requiring greater collaboration in trade, investment, technology and market access.

Describing climate change as a serious challenge for agriculture, Shri Chouhan said rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, droughts and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting farming systems. He said the discussions would place special emphasis on regenerative farming, climate-resilient agriculture and conservation of natural resources to protect soil health and environmental sustainability for future generations.

The Minister also highlighted food wastage as a major global concern, noting that nearly one billion tonnes of food are wasted annually. Such losses not only deplete precious resources but also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Measures to strengthen storage infrastructure, transportation networks and supply chains will therefore be an important part of the discussions.

Stressing the need to diversify farmers' sources of income, Shri Chouhan said dependence on conventional crop cultivation alone is no longer sufficient. Greater emphasis is being placed on allied sectors such as livestock and fisheries to create additional livelihood opportunities. He added that the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is supporting the development of warehouses, cold storage facilities and other agricultural infrastructure, and its scope has now been expanded to nearly ₹2 lakh crore.

Highlighting India's digital transformation in agriculture, Shri Chouhan said around 9.8 crore Farmer IDs have been created across the country, enabling better integration of farmer data and faster delivery of government schemes, credit and other services. He added that artificial intelligence and digital platforms are increasingly being used to provide advisory services, improve resource management and enhance productivity.

Shri Chouhan informed that official-level meetings of the BRICS Agricultural Working Group will be held from June 9 to 11, followed by the Agriculture Ministers' Meeting on June 12 and 13. A joint declaration outlining future areas of cooperation and a shared roadmap for agricultural development will be issued at the conclusion of the meetings.

The event will also provide an opportunity to showcase the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh. Delegates will be introduced to the state's traditions, cuisine and historical landmarks through visits to Rajwada, Chappan Dukan and Mandu. A plantation drive under the "BRICS Vatika" initiative will also be organised to promote environmental conservation.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the event would not only strengthen global cooperation in agriculture but also further reinforce India's leadership role and showcase Madhya Pradesh's cultural identity on the international stage. He expressed confidence that the Indore meetings would lead to meaningful outcomes and lay the foundation for stronger long-term partnerships among BRICS nations in the agricultural sector.

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