The ministers adopted a document on Brics food security cooperation strategy. It agreed on the establishment of a forum on agriculture and rural affairs development of Brics members, officials said. Chairing the meeting, China’s agriculture minister Tang Renjian said Brics members should deepen cooperation on food security and poverty reduction to contribute to global food security. China holds the current Brics chair.
To tackle challenges to global food security, Tang called on Brics to protect the World Trade Organisation, enhance synergy of agricultural trade policies, and expand partnerships with stronger multilateral and bilateral cooperation on agriculture. Minister of State for Agriculture Shobha Karandlaje highlighted various steps and initiatives India has undertaken in agriculture and for welfare of farmers.
The minister “emphasised on India’s resolve to fulfill SDGs of ending hunger and step up production and productivity of agriculture through use of natural resources,” an official statement said in New Delhi on Thursday. Karandlaje also called for support and celebration of the International Year of Millets, 2023, by Brics, while sharing importance of millets in food and nutrition security and climate resilience.
A business representatives meeting was also held to increase multilateral cooperation to safeguard common interests of emerging markets and developing countries.