The two-day conference of agriculture ministers of BRICS countries was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on June 12 and 13, 2026, with a focus on small farmers, sustainable agriculture and global food security. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the inaugural session and presented India’s agricultural achievements, cultural values and commitment to international cooperation. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur, was also present.
Welcoming delegates, Chouhan referred to India’s traditions of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which views the world as one family, and Atithi Devo Bhava, meaning “The guest is our God”. He said India has always supported global unity, peace and cooperation, and added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the country believes in “peace, not war; coordination, not conflict”. These values, he said, can become the foundation for stronger cooperation in agriculture.
Chouhan said the conference provides an important platform for BRICS countries to collectively address the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers. Climate change, pressure on natural resources, rising input costs and uncertainty in agricultural markets are affecting farmers across the world, he noted. He stressed that empowering small farmers economically and technologically is essential for building a resilient global food security system.
Highlighting India’s progress, Chouhan said the country’s agriculture sector has recorded an average annual growth of nearly 4.5 per cent over the last decade. India’s total foodgrain production has reached nearly 376 million tonnes, while wheat production is close to 118 million tonnes. Horticulture production has crossed 378 million tonnes and fish production has exceeded 19 million tonnes, showing broad-based growth across agriculture and allied sectors.
He said India is implementing the world’s largest food security programme, ensuring food support for a large section of the population. Appreciating the role of farmers, Chouhan said these achievements have been made possible through their hard work and dedication, supported by farmer-centric government policies.
The Minister noted that nearly 43 per cent of India’s workforce is associated with agriculture and allied sectors, making agriculture a key pillar of the economy and the main source of livelihood for millions of rural families. He said initiatives related to improved seeds, irrigation expansion, agricultural technology, digital services and farmer support schemes have benefited cultivators across the country.
Emphasising the importance of small and marginal farmers, who account for nearly 87 per cent of India’s farmers, Chouhan said their empowerment is central to inclusive rural development. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card and crop insurance programmes are providing financial assistance, institutional support and protection during crop losses.
Chouhan also underlined the need for natural farming and balanced use of chemical fertilisers to protect soil health. Referring to the Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched from Madhya Pradesh, he said the campaign is encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming methods and organic inputs. The conference is expected to strengthen BRICS dialogue on sustainable agriculture, farmer welfare and climate-resilient farming.