At the 15th gathering of BRICS Agriculture Ministers held in Brasilia, Brazil, India reiterated its dedication towards development

The BRICS Agriculture Ministers have initiated the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership to combat issues such as land degradation, desertification, and the decline of soil fertility. In their Joint Declaration, the BRICS nations reaffirmed their commitment to creating a global agri-food system that is equitable, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

India’s Position: Strengthening the Foundation of Agriculture

India emphasized the importance of empowering small and marginal farmers, particularly women, as a central focus of global agricultural strategies. The 510 million smallholder farmers worldwide serve as the foundation of the global food system, yet they are the most susceptible to challenges posed by climate change, price fluctuations, and resource limitations.

Understanding Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture encompasses farming practices that fulfill current food requirements while safeguarding resources for future generations. This involves implementing methods that protect the environment, minimize dependence on chemical inputs, and optimize the use of water and land. The goal is to achieve a balance among productivity, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic fairness.

The Necessity of Sustainable Agriculture

Dependence on Rainfall: A significant portion of Indian agriculture relies on rainfall, with approximately 60% of cultivated land depending on monsoon precipitation.

Price Fluctuations in Agriculture: Price instability compels farmers to sell their crops at reduced prices during peak harvest periods. The limited capacity for agricultural processing and low mechanization levels contribute to post-harvest losses, preventing farmers from enhancing the value of their products and resulting in diminished profits.

Financial Accessibility: Small-scale farmers encounter challenges in obtaining credit and financial services.

Efforts for Sustainable Agriculture

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): FPOs have become essential in assisting small and marginal farmers by consolidating their produce, facilitating access to technology, and enhancing their market visibility.

Warehouse Receipt Financing: This financing method enables farmers to store their harvest and sell it at a later time when market prices are more advantageous.

The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) aims to promote farming practices that are resilient to climate change, optimize water usage, and manage soil health effectively.

The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) enhances agricultural resilience through research focused on climate issues, demonstration of new technologies, and capacity building initiatives.

The use of bio-fertilizers is encouraged to minimize chemical inputs and improve the microbial health of the soil.

Conclusion

The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting represents a unified effort to transform the global food system into one that is more equitable, resilient, and centered around farmers. For India, the summit reinforced the commitment to an agriculture-driven model of inclusive growth, prioritizing smallholder farmers and sustainability in policy development.