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Key Points

Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered a powerful message at the BRICS Agriculture Ministers meeting about protecting smallholder farmers globally. He emphasized that agriculture transcends economic activity and represents a lifeline for millions of families. The minister showcased India's innovative approaches like Digital Agriculture Mission and cluster-based farming as potential solutions. Chouhan's vision highlights the importance of collective empowerment and technological intervention in transforming agricultural landscapes.

Key Points: Chouhan Urges BRICS Support for Small Farmers Global Empowerment

  • India champions inclusive agricultural strategies at BRICS forum
  • Smallholder farmers critical to global food system
  • Technological innovations can transform rural economic landscape
  • Collective empowerment through cluster-based farming models
2 min read

Need to protect, empower small and marginal farmers: Shivraj Singh Chouhan at BRICS meet

Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlights critical role of smallholder farmers in global food security at BRICS Agriculture Ministers meet

"For India, empowering women socially, economically, and politically is a mission. - Shivraj Singh Chouhan"

New Delhi, April 18

There is an urgent need to place the welfare of small and marginal farmers at the centre of global agricultural strategies, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said, adding that agriculture for India is not merely an economic activity, but a source of livelihood, food and dignity for millions of families.

At the 15th meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers in Brazil's Brasilia, India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agriculture, an official statement said on Friday.

Agriculture Minister Chouhan underscored that global food security and rural development goals would remain incomplete unless small farmers are protected and empowered.

He highlighted that the world's 510 million smallholder farmers are the backbone of the global food system and are also the most vulnerable in the face of climate change, price volatility, and resource scarcity.

Chouhan stated that we cannot leave smallholders to fight these challenges alone; they need our policy support.

He presented cluster-based farming, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperative models, and natural farming as effective approaches for the collective empowerment of small farmers and improving their market access.

Chouhan also cited India's food storage and distribution capacity during the Covid-19 crisis as a case in point, through which free rations were distributed to over 800 million people.

He shared its technological initiatives - Digital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack, drone technology, and Climate-Resilient Villages - and explained how these innovations have significantly improved service delivery, transparency and farmer incomes.

The Union Minister also mentioned initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi as examples of India's commitment to the social and economic empowerment of rural women, stating: "For India, empowering women socially, economically, and politically is a mission."

In the Joint Declaration, BRICS nations collectively reiterated their resolve to make the global agri-food system fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

The declaration emphasised commitments to food security, climate adaptation, empowerment of women and youth, sustainable fisheries and livestock development, soil and land restoration, digital agriculture certification, and promotion of financial and trade mechanisms for the agricultural economies of the Global South.

The formal announcement of the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership further reinforced the group's collective commitment to halting land degradation and desertification.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some global attention on small farmers! 👏 My uncle is a marginal farmer and the struggles are real. Hope these policies actually reach the ground level. The FPO model sounds promising if implemented properly.
P
Priya M.
The Lakhpati Didi initiative is such a game changer for rural women! In my village, women's self-help groups have completely transformed families' economic situations. More power to our farmers and rural communities 💪
A
Amit S.
While the intentions are good, I hope the government focuses more on water conservation too. Many small farmers in my area are struggling with groundwater depletion. All these tech initiatives won't matter if there's no water to farm with.
S
Sunita R.
The Covid food distribution was truly remarkable. My family in Bihar received rations when we couldn't travel during lockdown. Proud of how India handled food security during the pandemic!
V
Vikram J.
Digital Agriculture Mission is the future! My cousin in Punjab uses an app for weather alerts and market prices - says it's helped him get better crop yields and prices. More farmers need access to this tech.

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