BRICS Indore Declaration on Agricultural Cooperation
The BRICS Agriculture Ministers' meeting in Indore concluded with the unanimous adoption of the 'Indore Declaration,' a comprehensive framework for global agricultural cooperation. The declaration represents a collective commitment among BRICS nations, which collectively represent nearly half of the world's population, possess about 42% of global agricultural land, and contribute approximately 42% to world foodgrain production.
Four New Institutional Initiatives
The declaration establishes four major networks: the BRICS Network of Centers of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture, coordinated by India's Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research in Modipuram; the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture coordinated by IIT Delhi; the Global Forum on Farmers' Rights in Seed Systems to protect indigenous seeds and traditional knowledge; and BRICS AgriN (Agro Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) to strengthen cooperation in agricultural inputs, seeds, and genetic resources.
Key Focus Areas and Commitments
The declaration centers on food security, nutritious diets, agricultural trade cooperation, climate-resilient sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthening innovation and technology partnerships. Special emphasis was placed on small and marginal farmers, with discussions focusing on input availability, credit flow, fair prices, and market linkages. The meeting also reinforced commitment to a fair, equitable, inclusive, and transparent multilateral trading system for agricultural trade.
Input Price Stability and Government Support
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that despite global price increases for fertilizers due to crises and wars, the Indian government will maintain fixed prices for farmers—urea at ₹266 per bag and DAP at ₹1,350 per bag—with the central government bearing the entire additional cost burden. This ensures affordable input access for Indian farmers amid global market volatility.
Climate Resilience and Sustainability Measures
The declaration addresses climate change challenges through regenerative farming practices and climate-resilient agricultural systems. On carbon credits, the minister noted that farmers following prescribed processes can earn benefits through the established system. Technical discussions also focused on reducing food loss from harvest to market to minimize waste and carbon emissions.
Technology Access and Youth Engagement
To ensure technology reaches small farmers, India has established Custom Hiring Centers and group-based models to make machinery, drones, and modern equipment available on rent. The declaration specifically highlights increasing participation of youth and women in agriculture, noting India's progress with thousands of agri-startups and technology-based services attracting young entrepreneurs to the sector.
Implementation and Global Impact
The member countries committed to translating all initiatives into actionable programs to ensure benefits reach farmers, rural communities, and food systems. The meeting also agreed to strengthen the existing BRICS Agricultural Research Platform as a 'Knowledge to Action Hub' to accelerate the transfer of research from laboratories to farmers' fields.