In a significant stride towards bolstering agricultural ties, Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan concluded a pivotal visit to Brazil on April 21. The trip, part of the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Brasília, marked a historic milestone in India-Brazil agricultural cooperation, promising to empower farmers and enhance global food security.
Chouhan’s visit was more than a diplomatic exchange; it was a comprehensive engagement that included policy discussions, on-the-ground exposure, and strategic alignment. As the chair of the BRICS meeting, Chouhan emphasized India’s commitment to supporting small farmers, who form the backbone of Indian agriculture. The conference, themed “Promoting inclusive and sustainable agriculture through cooperation, innovation, and fair trade among BRICS countries,” saw participation from agriculture ministers of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and new BRICS members including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.
Chouhan’s speech underscored India’s philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “the world is one family,” advocating for fairness and collaboration in global food systems. Beyond the BRICS conference, Chouhan’s meetings with Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Carlos Henrique Baquetta Favero, and the Minister for Agricultural Development and Family Agriculture, Luiz Paulo Teixeira, focused on collaborative efforts in agricultural technology, food security, and rural development.
In Sao Paulo, Chouhan engaged with 27 top Brazilian agribusiness leaders, exploring potential partnerships in agricultural trade, food processing, biofuels, and supply chain improvements. The discussions highlighted the need for expanding farm trade, particularly in soybeans, where Brazil is the global leader with $159 billion in agricultural exports in 2023. India, already a significant importer of Brazilian soybean oil, aims to diversify by increasing local processing and manufacturing of soybeans.
Chouhan’s visits to soybean and tomato farms, along with agricultural research centers, provided firsthand insights into Brazil’s technological advancements in irrigation, mechanization, and food processing. Brazil’s average soybean yield of 3.5 tons per hectare, compared to India’s 1.1 tons, underscores the potential for adopting Brazilian best practices to benefit India’s 120 million farmers, predominantly small landholders.
The visit also opened avenues for deeper collaboration in biofuels, aligning with India’s National Biofuel Policy. Brazil’s expertise in sugarcane-based ethanol production could significantly enhance India’s biofuel initiatives. Additionally, collaborative ventures in farm machinery and supply-chain management could empower Indian farmers to access global markets and increase their earnings.
Chouhan’s advocacy for smallholder farmers was a recurring theme. With over 86% of Indian farmers owning less than two hectares each, their development is crucial for national food security. He called for greater BRICS collaboration in technology transfer, research, food processing, and trade facilitation to support these farmers. India’s initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) and Soil Health Card programme align with this vision, and Brazil’s integrated crop-livestock and no-till farming practices offer valuable lessons.
Beyond agriculture, Chouhan’s visit emphasized cultural and environmental values. He participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia, aligning with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. Addressing the Indian diaspora in Sao Paulo, he discussed India’s “Amrit Kaal” and the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, fostering stronger connections between the two countries.
Chouhan’s visit has laid the groundwork for a robust India-Brazil partnership in agriculture, leveraging Brazil’s expertise in sustainable farming techniques. This collaboration will focus on soybean cultivation, biofuels, and eco-friendly practices, addressing India’s growing demand for edible oils and enhancing its foreign policy interests within the BRICS alliance. With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, requiring a 60% increase in food production, India and Brazil’s joint efforts in research, innovation, and sustainable commerce are poised to make a significant global impact.
