A five-day meeting of BRICS member countries began in Indore on Tuesday, with discussions centred on food security, climate-resilient agriculture, farmer welfare and greater cooperation among member nations in the agriculture sector, according to a Business Today report.
Key Agenda Items
Officials from BRICS countries participated in the opening round of discussions under India's BRICS chairmanship, PTI reported. A senior official from the Department of Agriculture said issues such as food security, the impact of climate change on farming and strengthening agricultural cooperation are among the key 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."
Officials said 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.
BRICS Significance and Food Security
Sahu noted that BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world's population, making food security a critical area of common concern. "Agriculture ensures food security and nutritional security. Therefore, agricultural development is essential," Sahu added. The meeting is also discussing the exchange of agricultural technology and ways to boost trade among BRICS nations.
Working Group Sessions and Ministerial Meeting
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 be held on June 12 and 13, Sahu said.
| Session | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture Working Group (5th session) | June 9–11 | In-person meeting in Indore |
| Agriculture Ministers' Meeting | June 12–13 | Includes partner countries |
Earlier in the day, Atish Chandra, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, led the inaugural session of the conference.
Implications for Agricultural Markets
For commodity traders and agribusiness executives, the meeting's focus on food security and trade could signal greater policy coordination among BRICS nations, which collectively represent a significant portion of global food production and consumption. Discussions on climate-resilient farming and digital agriculture may influence future supply dynamics, particularly if joint initiatives on technology exchange and supply chain resilience emerge. The joint declaration expected after the ministerial meeting will be closely watched for any commitments on trade liberalisation or investment in agricultural infrastructure.
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