BRICS Focuses on Small Farmers, Food Security and Inclusive Urban Development

India's BRICS presidency took centre stage this week as leaders and officials from member nations gathered for the BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting in Indore and the BRICS Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi , focusing on food security, sustainable development and inclusive growth.

At the agriculture meeting, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said food security, smallholder farmers and climate-resilient agriculture are among the bloc's key priorities. Discussions were held under the theme, "Smallholder Farmers, Women and Youth: Securing the Future of Food."

Chouhan noted that over 70% of the world's small farmers live in BRICS countries , while nearly 70% of farmers across the grouping own less than two hectares of land. Ministers discussed ways to boost farm productivity and incomes, strengthen farmers' rights over seeds, promote digital farming, tackle climate change and improve access to nutritious food.

The meeting also focused on increasing the participation of women and youth in agriculture through technology and innovation. The deliberations are expected to culminate in the adoption of the Indore Declaration , outlining a shared roadmap for agricultural cooperation.

Meanwhile, the BRICS Urbanisation Forum in New Delhi brought together ministers and urban experts under the theme, "Cities for People: BRICS Cooperation for Inclusive and Resilient Urban Futures."

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar highlighted the importance of inclusive urban development, climate-resilient infrastructure and digital innovation. Delegates also held bilateral talks on sustainable urban development, affordable housing and urban governance.

The twin meetings reflect India's push to strengthen BRICS cooperation on agriculture, food systems and urban transformation while advancing a people-centric and sustainable development agenda.