India Calls on BRICS Partners to Boost Small‑holder Farmers and Safeguard Food Security

At a recent gathering of BRICS leaders, India used its platform to make a very specific request: give small farmers the tools, credit and technology they need, and the whole region’s food basket will be stronger. It’s not just a feel‑good slogan – it’s a pragmatic step toward lasting food security.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Indian delegation highlighted that more than 80% of the agricultural workforce in the country is comprised of small‑holder families. These families, while modest in landholding, produce a huge share of staples like rice, wheat and pulses. Yet, they often wrestle with limited market access, erratic credit, and outdated farming methods.

“If we want to ensure stable, affordable food for billions, we have to start at the grassroots,” the spokesperson said, pausing to let the point sink in. “Empowering these farmers isn’t a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity.”

India’s appeal was two‑fold. First, it called for the BRICS nations to pool resources—whether through joint research initiatives, shared agri‑technology platforms, or coordinated financing schemes—so that smallholders can adopt climate‑resilient seeds, precision irrigation and digital market links. Second, it urged the bloc to create a common framework for trade that reduces tariffs on essential inputs like fertilizers and farm machinery, making them more affordable for those who need them most.

While the tone was collaborative rather than confrontational, the message was clear: without robust support for the smallest producers, any ambition for regional food self‑sufficiency could crumble. The Indian side cited its own experience with schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card, pointing out measurable gains in yield and farmer incomes when supportive policies are in place.

Other BRICS members listened attentively. Representatives from Brazil and South Africa nodded, noting similar challenges in their own rural heartlands. A tentative consensus emerged around the idea of a “BRICS Small‑Farmer Initiative,” a joint task force that could kick‑start pilot projects in selected member states.

Critics, however, warned that lofty statements need concrete budgeting and transparent monitoring. They urged the group to set clear targets – for instance, a 20% increase in small‑holder productivity by 2030 – and to publish annual progress reports.

In the end, the meeting closed with a pledge to reconvene next year, armed with proposals and perhaps a modest budget line for small‑farmer empowerment. Whether the promise turns into practice remains to be seen, but the dialogue itself marks a hopeful shift toward putting the tiniest hands that feed the world front and center in BRICS’ agenda.