12 June 2026, Indore: Empowering smallholder farmers will be critical to strengthening global food security and building resilient agricultural systems, India’s Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said while addressing the inaugural session of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Indore.
Speaking to ministers and delegates from BRICS member countries, Chouhan emphasized that challenges such as climate change, pressure on natural resources, rising production costs, and market volatility are disproportionately affecting small and marginal farmers worldwide. He urged BRICS nations to place farmer welfare, technological empowerment, and sustainable agricultural development at the center of future cooperation.
“Ensuring the welfare of small and marginal farmers is central to sustainable agricultural growth. If farmers become economically stronger and technologically empowered, global food security will also become more resilient,” Chouhan said.
The two-day meeting has brought together agriculture ministers and senior officials from BRICS countries to discuss food security, climate resilience, agricultural innovation, sustainable farming, and strategies to improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
Common Challenges Require Collective Action
Chouhan noted that agriculture across the world is facing mounting challenges from climate variability, resource constraints, rising input costs, and uncertain market conditions. These issues, he said, require coordinated international action and stronger partnerships among emerging economies.
According to the minister, smallholder farmers remain the backbone of food production in many countries but are often the most vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks. Improving their access to finance, technology, knowledge, and markets will be essential for strengthening global food systems and ensuring long-term food security.
He said BRICS countries are uniquely positioned to share experiences, technologies, and policy solutions that can help improve agricultural productivity while promoting sustainability and inclusiveness.
India Calls for Greater BRICS Cooperation
Welcoming delegates to India, Chouhan said the country remains committed to strengthening global agricultural partnerships under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—as a guiding principle for international cooperation.
He called for deeper collaboration among BRICS nations through technology transfer, joint research, policy dialogue, capacity building, and the exchange of best agricultural practices.
Technology, Sustainability and Inclusion
The minister highlighted the growing role of digital agriculture, precision farming, agri-tech startups, and innovation in addressing productivity and sustainability challenges. At the same time, he stressed the importance of preserving soil health, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
Chouhan also underscored the importance of women and youth in shaping the future of agriculture. Greater participation by women-led groups, rural entrepreneurs, and young innovators, he said, will be crucial for building resilient and inclusive agricultural economies.
Towards a More Resilient Global Food System
Expressing confidence in the outcomes of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, Chouhan said stronger cooperation among member countries can help address shared agricultural challenges while creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, trade, and sustainable development.
As global food systems face increasing pressure from climate change and population growth, he reiterated that strengthening the economic and technological capabilities of smallholder farmers must remain a global priority.
“Global food security begins with secure and prosperous farmers,” Chouhan said.
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