BRICS nations adopt 'Indore Declaration'; here is why this initiative is significant

New Delhi: BRICS nations have adopted the 'Indore Declaration.' It pledges deep cooperation in the agricultural sector and the launch of several new initiatives. These include a global forum on farmers' seed rights, a digital agriculture network, and a platform for agro-ecology and regenerative farming.
Why this initiative is significant
The adoption of this declaration by BRICS and the entrustment of leadership in agricultural and digital initiatives to India hold special significance. It demonstrates India's growing influence and stature within this powerful global forum, even alongside China.
These decisions were reached at the conclusion of a five-day meeting of agriculture ministers and officials from BRICS nations, held under India's presidency.

What did Shivraj Singh Chouhan say? 

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that member nations agreed on several new institutional mechanisms, with India set to play a coordinating role in many of them.

What does the Indore Declaration say?

According to the Indore Declaration, BRICS nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening food and nutritional security, improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, increasing the participation of women and youth in agriculture, promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming, and enhancing cooperation in agricultural trade and investment.
Member nations also reiterated their commitment to a fair, inclusive, and transparent multilateral trading system and discussed measures to facilitate agricultural trade. Global Forum on Farmers' Seed Rights
Among the key decisions, BRICS nations agreed to establish a 'Global Forum on Farmers' Rights in Seed Systems' to promote farmers' rights and preserve traditional knowledge related to seed systems.

Chouhan stated, "India will coordinate this initiative." The forum will focus on farmers' seed rights, the conservation of indigenous seed diversity, and the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge.
India to coordinate AGRIN network
Member nations also agreed to establish the BRICS AGRIN network to facilitate cooperation in sharing agricultural inputs, genetic resources, and information. India will serve as the coordinating country for this network. According to Chauhan, this platform will facilitate the exchange of agricultural resources, technical know-how, and best practices among member nations.

The group also agreed to continue discussions on operationalizing the proposed 'BRICS Grain Exchange.' The objective is to strengthen grain trade and supply chains among member countries.
Chauhan stated that this initiative could improve grain trade, market linkages, and supply chain cooperation among BRICS nations.

What about Climate-Resilient Agriculture? 

To address challenges posed by climate change, BRICS nations agreed to establish a 'BRICS Center of Excellence Network' focused on agro-ecology and regenerative agriculture. The 'Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram'—operating under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)—will handle the initial coordination.

Any Approval for Digital Agriculture Network? 

Member countries also agreed to create a 'Digital Agriculture Network' to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), geospatial technology, and other digital solutions in farming.
The 'Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi' will manage the initial coordination for this network.

Will Research Platform Become an Action Hub? 

Chauhan noted that BRICS nations agreed to strengthen the 'BRICS Agricultural Research Platform' and transform it into a 'Knowledge-to-Action Hub' to ensure research findings reach farmers more rapidly. According to the Minister, these initiatives aim to empower small and marginal farmers, bolster food security, and make agriculture more sustainable and resilient. 

Approximately 100 delegates participated in this five-day meeting. These included around 60 foreign delegates from member and partner nations. Chauhan stated that these decisions reflect the shared commitment of BRICS nations to address common agricultural challenges through the exchange of innovation, technology, and knowledge. He noted that BRICS countries represent nearly half of the global population, possess approximately 42% of the world's arable land, and contribute about 42% to global grain production. He added that enhanced cooperation among these nations could play a pivotal role in strengthening global food security. The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group subsequently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.