Four agri initiatives announced at BRICS, will boost climate resilience, productivity

The BRICS grouping announced on Saturday the launch of four agriculture initiatives as part of a consensus New Delhi declaration, signalling a coordinated effort to strengthen climate‑smart farming across the bloc. The declaration was endorsed by the heads of the six member states during the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Indore.

The initiatives comprise the creation of a collaborative, non‑binding BRICS AGRIN (Agro‑Inputs, Genetic Resources, and Information Network), the inauguration of a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems, a BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agroecology and Regenerative Agriculture for Climate Resilience and Productivity, and a BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture covering agroforestry, fisheries and aquaculture. The declaration also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to advance agriculture negotiations at the WTO and to promote sustainable, inclusive market access for vegetable oils.

These steps build on existing BRICS cooperation in agriculture and aim to support smallholder and family farmers by facilitating knowledge exchange, preserving traditional seed systems and improving digital tools for production. By aligning national, regional and international practices, the initiatives seek to boost food security, reduce climate vulnerability and position the BRICS bloc as a leader in sustainable agricultural development.