BRICS Must Unite for Small Farmers: Shivraj Chouhan

• India’s foodgrain production reaches 376 million tonnes
• Agriculture sector records 4.5% average annual growth
• Shivraj calls for stronger BRICS cooperation on food security
• Women, youth and technology identified as drivers of farm transformation

GG News Bureau
Indore, 12th June: Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday called for stronger cooperation among BRICS nations to empower small farmers, ensure food security and promote sustainable agricultural development, while inaugurating the two-day BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Conference in Indore.

Addressing delegates from BRICS countries, Chouhan said India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to strengthening global agricultural partnerships guided by the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the belief that the world is one family.

Welcoming the delegates, the Union Minister said India’s approach is rooted in peace, cooperation and collective progress. He noted that the conference provides an opportunity to jointly address challenges confronting small and marginal farmers, including climate change, pressure on natural resources, rising input costs and market uncertainties.

Emphasising the importance of small farmers in global food security, Chouhan said economically strong and technologically empowered farmers are essential for building a resilient agricultural system worldwide.

Highlighting India’s agricultural performance, the Minister said the sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 per cent over the past decade. He informed delegates that the country’s total foodgrain production has reached nearly 376 million tonnes, while wheat production stands close to 118 million tonnes. Horticulture production has crossed 378 million tonnes and fish production has exceeded 19 million tonnes.

Chouhan said India is implementing the world’s largest food security programme and credited farmers’ hard work along with farmer-centric government policies for the country’s agricultural achievements.

The Minister noted that agriculture and allied sectors employ nearly 43 per cent of India’s workforce, making the sector a cornerstone of the national economy and rural livelihoods.

Pointing out that nearly 87 per cent of Indian farmers are small and marginal cultivators, Chouhan said their empowerment remains central to inclusive rural development. He highlighted initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card scheme and crop insurance programmes as key measures supporting farmers.

On sustainable agriculture, Chouhan stressed the need for natural farming, balanced fertiliser use and soil health preservation. He also highlighted the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ launched from Madhya Pradesh, aimed at promoting scientific farming practices and natural cultivation methods.

The Minister underlined the growing contribution of women in agriculture through Self-Help Groups and said initiatives such as Drone Didi are helping women adopt modern technologies and strengthen rural economies.

He also highlighted the increasing role of youth in agriculture through innovation, startups, digital technologies and agri-entrepreneurship, saying these developments are making the sector more efficient and future-ready.

Calling for deeper collaboration among BRICS nations, Chouhan said greater exchange of technology, knowledge and policy experiences can provide a new direction to global agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable, secure and inclusive future.