18 June 2026, Indore: China highlighted the importance of food security, agricultural innovation, and multilateral cooperation during the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Indore, India, on June 12–13.
Leading the Chinese delegation, Tao Huaiying, Chief Veterinary Officer of China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, outlined the country’s achievements in agricultural development and emphasized the need for closer collaboration among BRICS nations to address global food system challenges.
Tao noted that China has maintained a strong focus on food security under the guidance of President Xi Jinping, ensuring that domestically produced grain remains the foundation of the country’s food supply. He highlighted that China’s grain production reached a record high in 2025, supported by advances in agricultural technology, the development of new productive forces in agriculture, progress in green agricultural transformation, and continued efforts in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization.
Addressing the meeting, Tao stressed that global agriculture faces increasing pressures from climate change, market uncertainties, and food security concerns. He called on BRICS countries to strengthen cooperation in three key areas:
Building diversified and resilient food supply systems to enhance food security and nutrition;
Safeguarding the multilateral trading system while expanding mutually beneficial agricultural trade and cooperation;
Advancing agricultural innovation through digital technologies and stronger research partnerships.
The meeting, hosted by India’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, focused on the theme “Advancing Farmer-Centric Approaches for Sustainable Development in Agriculture Through Cooperation, Innovation, Trade, and Climate Resilience.” Ministers adopted a joint declaration outlining shared priorities for agricultural cooperation among BRICS nations.
On the sidelines of the event, Tao participated in the Agriculture Ministers’ Dialogue on “Small Farmers, Women, and Youth: Shaping the Future of Food Security,” where he shared China’s experiences in supporting inclusive agricultural development. He also held bilateral discussions with South African Agriculture Minister John Henry Steenhuisen to explore opportunities for deeper agricultural cooperation between China and South Africa.
China reiterated its commitment to working with BRICS partners to promote sustainable agricultural development, strengthen food security, and enhance resilience across global food systems.
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