Taking up diversification to up farm income: Narendra Singh Tomar at BRICS

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 27

Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today chaired the 11th meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) agriculture ministers. The ministers deliberated virtually on the theme “BRICS Partnership for Strengthening Agro Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition Security”.

In his opening remarks, Tomar said the BRICS countries are well positioned to take a leading role in helping to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate hunger and poverty.

By increasing agricultural production and increasing the income of farmers, the problem of income inequality and food price volatility can be overcome, he said.

The Agriculture Minister also highlighted the efforts made by India in preserving the agro-biodiversity by establishing and maintaining the national gene banks for plants, animals, fish, insects and agriculturally important micro-organisms.

India is actively promoting the diversification of its agri-food systems through countrywide programmes such as the recently launched National Palm Oil Mission. The objective of these programmes is to increase the income of farmers along with providing diversification in both farm and plate, he said.

The ministers expressed their intention to make the BRICS Agriculture Research Platform developed by India functional and encourage research cooperation to improve the use and application of agricultural technologies for meeting the needs of producers and processors.

BRICS Agriculture Research Platform (BARP) will promote cooperation in the areas of agricultural research, technology transfer, training and capacity-building.

A joint declaration of the eleventh meeting of BRICS agriculture ministers covering a wide range of focus areas for future cooperation and the action plan for 2021-24 for agricultural cooperation and research were also adopted.

BRICS brings together the major emerging economies of the world, hosting 41% of the world population, contributing 24% of the world GDP and over 16% share in world trade.

Chairs 11th meeting of agriculture ministers

• BRICS countries to play leading role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of eradicating poverty
• Agricultural research platform created to enhance cooperation among BRICS countries
• Action plan 2021-24 for agricultural cooperation among BRICS countries adopted