BRICS Agriculture Ministers Adopt Joint Declaration in Indore, Back Farmer-Centric Initiatives

The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers Meeting concluded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh and unanimously adopted the Joint Declaration which aimed at to strengthening food security, sustainable agriculture, innovation and farmer welfare across member nations. This meeting was held under India’s Presidency on June 12 and 13, 2026 and this meeting brought together the ministers, senior officials and representatives from BRICS countries and partner nations to discuss the collaborative solutions for the future of global agriculture.

BRICS Nations Commit to the Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture

The Joint Declaration outlines the comprehensive roadmap for the enhancing agricultural cooperation among BRICS countries.

The member nations emphasized the importance of the,

• Strengthening food security
• Promoting sustainable farming practices
• Supporting smallholder farmers
• Encouraging agricultural innovation
• Building climate-resilient food systems

The declaration recognizes that the farmers, particularly smallholders plays the crucial role in ensuring food security, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology Launched

One of the most major outcomes of the meeting was the decision to establish the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture.

The initiative will initially be coordinated by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming System Research (IIFSR), Modipuram which will serve as the India’s Centre of Excellence on Natural Farming.

The network aims to,

• Promote the sustainable farming methods
• Encourage the regenerative agriculture practices
• Support climate-resilient farming systems
• Facilitate collaborative research
• Enhance knowledge sharing among member countries

This initiative is expected to help the farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural practices.

New Digital Agriculture Network Approved

Recognizing the growing role of the technology in agriculture BRICS countries have agreed to establish the Network on Digital Agriculture.

The initiative will be coordinated initially by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and will focus on to the,

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture
• Geospatial technologies
• Digital public infrastructure
• Data-driven farming solutions
• Smart agricultural management systems

The network aims to accelerate the digital transformation in agriculture and improve productivity through technological innovation.

Global Forum on Farmers Rights in Seed Systems

Another key decision was the launch of the Global Forum on Farmers Rights in the Seed Systems.

The forum will be initially coordinated by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi.

Its objectives includes the,

• Protecting farmers rights
• Preserving the traditional agricultural knowledge
• Promoting seed heritage conservation
• Encouraging dialogue on seed systems
• Recognizing farmer contributions to biodiversity

The initiative reflects the growing global attention towards to safeguarding indigenous knowledge and ensuring equitable access to agricultural resources.

BRICS AGRIN Framework to Enhance Cooperation

The ministers has also approved the establishment of the BRICS AGRIN (Agro-Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) Framework.

The framework will support the cooperation in areas such as the,

• Agricultural inputs
• Genetic resource management
• Technical collaboration
• Information sharing
• Capacity building

The initiative is expected to strengthen the partnerships and to improve agricultural productivity across member nations.

Agricultural Research Platform to Become Knowledge-to-Action Hub

The BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (BARP) will be transformed into the “Knowledge-to-Action Hub.”

The objective is to ensure that the scientific research and technological innovations are effectively translated into the practical solutions for farmers.

This transformation aims to bridge the gap between the research institutions and farming communities and helping the farmers benefit directly from new agricultural technologies and innovations.

Small Farmers, Women and Youth Support

A special Ministerial Dialogue on “Small Farmers, Women and Youth: Shaping the Future of Food Security” has strongly emphasized the importance of inclusive agricultural development.

Delegates highlighted the need to improve access to the,

• Markets
• Finance
• Modern technology
• Training and skill development
• Agricultural services

Strengthening South-South Cooperation

The BRICS countries also reaffirmed their commitment to South-South cooperation in agriculture.

The member nations pledged to expand the,

• Technical exchanges
• Capacity-building program
• Agricultural training initiatives
• Knowledge-sharing partnerships

These efforts are expected to support the sustainable agricultural development in developing countries and to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies.

Sustainability Symbolized Via BRICS Vatika

As part of the event, delegates also participated in a tree plantation drive which includes the creation of a “BRICS Vatika.”

The initiative symbolized the grouping’s commitment to the,

• Environmental sustainability
• Climate resilience
• Ecological conservation
• Green development