12 June 2026, Indore: India’s agricultural sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 percent over the past decade. The country’s total food production has reached approximately 376 million tonnes, Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced during BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting at Indore.
Speaking during the inaugural session of the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, Chouhan said the achievement reflects the combined efforts of Indian farmers, supportive government policies, technological advancements and investments across the agricultural value chain.
According to the minister, wheat production in India has reached nearly 118 million tonnes, while horticulture production has crossed 378 million tonnes. Fish production has also surpassed 19 million tonnes, indicating strong growth across agriculture and allied sectors.
“These achievements demonstrate India’s commitment to ensuring food security, nutritional security and sustainable agricultural development,” Chouhan said.
Agriculture and allied sectors continue to play a crucial role in India’s economy, with around 43 percent of the country’s workforce dependent on the sector for their livelihood. Chouhan noted that various government initiatives focused on improved seed varieties, irrigation expansion, agricultural mechanisation, digital services and farmer welfare have contributed significantly to productivity growth.
The minister emphasised that small and marginal farmers remain at the centre of India’s agricultural development strategy. Nearly 87 percent of the country’s farmers belong to this category, making their economic empowerment critical for ensuring inclusive growth and strengthening food security.
On sustainable agriculture, Chouhan stressed the importance of maintaining soil health through balanced fertiliser use and greater adoption of natural farming practices. He said preserving soil fertility and reducing excessive dependence on chemical inputs would be essential for long-term agricultural sustainability.
BRICS Ministers Discuss Food Security and Farmer Welfare
Separately, Chouhan called for stronger agricultural cooperation among BRICS nations during the two-day Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting being held in Indore.
Welcoming delegates from member countries, he said India remains committed to strengthening global agricultural partnerships under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the belief that the world is one family.
The minister said BRICS countries face several common challenges, including climate change, pressure on natural resources, rising input costs and market uncertainties. He stressed that empowering smallholder farmers would be essential for strengthening global food security and building resilient agricultural systems.
“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,” he said.
Chouhan urged BRICS member countries to deepen collaboration through technology exchange, policy dialogue and sharing of best practices. He expressed confidence that stronger cooperation among BRICS nations could contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive and secure global agricultural future.
The conference is expected to focus on food security, climate resilience, agricultural innovation, sustainable farming practices and strategies for supporting smallholder farmers across member countries.
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