India showcased its significant agricultural achievements and called for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations to strengthen food security, empower small farmers, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Speaking at a BRICS agriculture conference, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India’s agriculture sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 4.5 percent over the past decade. He noted that the country’s total foodgrain production has reached nearly 376 million tonnes, while wheat production has climbed to almost 118 million tonnes. Horticulture output has crossed 378 million tonnes, and fish production has exceeded 19 million tonnes, reflecting broad-based growth across the sector.
Chouhan said India is implementing the world’s largest food security programme, ensuring food access for a large section of the population. He credited the country’s agricultural success to the hard work of farmers and government policies focused on supporting the farming community and strengthening food and nutritional security.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture to the economy, he said nearly 43 percent of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied sectors. He also pointed to initiatives launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, including improved seed varieties, expanded irrigation, digital agricultural services, technological advancements, and farmer welfare programmes.
The minister emphasized that nearly 87 percent of India’s farmers are small and marginal cultivators, making their empowerment crucial for inclusive rural development. Schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card programme, and crop insurance initiatives are helping provide financial assistance and security to millions of farmers.
On sustainable agriculture, Chouhan stressed the need for natural farming practices, balanced use of fertilizers, and improved soil health. He highlighted the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, which is encouraging farmers to adopt scientific farming techniques and organic cultivation methods.
He also underscored the growing role of women in agriculture, noting that initiatives such as Drone Didi and Self-Help Groups are enabling women to take leadership roles in rural development and agricultural innovation.
The minister further highlighted the increasing participation of youth in agriculture through startups, digital technologies, innovation, and agri-entrepreneurship, helping modernize the sector and create new opportunities.
Calling for stronger collaboration among BRICS nations, Chouhan urged member countries to work together to support small farmers, enhance food security, and advance sustainable agricultural development. He expressed confidence that greater cooperation, technology sharing, and policy dialogue would help build a more secure, sustainable, and inclusive future for global agriculture.
