Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is currently in Brazil to attend the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting (AMM), scheduled for April 17, 2025 in Brasilia. This meeting forms part of the ongoing efforts by the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to foster greater cooperation and collaboration in the field of agriculture. Prior to the meeting, the Minister engaged with key members of Brazil's agribusiness community during a significant meeting in Sao Paulo, where he explored opportunities for enhancing agricultural trade, technological exchanges, and biofuel production between the two nations.

Promoting Agricultural Trade and Technology Exchange

During his interactions with the Brazilian agribusiness leaders, Chouhan emphasized the potential for mutual collaboration between India and Brazil in areas like agriculture technology, food processing, and biofuel production. Both countries share a strong agricultural sector, and the Union Minister expressed hopes for strengthening technical partnerships that could benefit their agricultural industries.

Chouhan also highlighted the role of advanced machinery in Brazilian agriculture, particularly the equipment used in cotton and soybean harvesting. He expressed optimism about cooperation in these areas, with the aim of adopting similar advanced techniques in India to increase productivity.

A Growing Bilateral Agricultural Trade

At the meeting, the President of the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce pointed out that the current agricultural trade between India and Brazil is valued at around USD 2-3 billion. However, he noted that this could easily grow to between USD 15-20 billion if the nations succeed in expanding their agricultural trade relations. Brazil exports various agricultural products to India, including fertilizers, soybeans, food crops, sugar, meat, and vegetables.

Brazil's former agriculture minister shared that, fifty years ago, the country imported 30% of its food, but today, it exports agricultural products worth USD 500 billion annually. This impressive transformation highlights the country's significant role in global agriculture and underscores the potential for increased cooperation with India.

Visit to Brazilian Fields and Technological Innovations

As part of his visit, Chouhan toured several agricultural fields in Brazil, including tomato and maize fields. During these visits, he observed firsthand how technology is being used to enhance productivity and optimize farming practices in Brazil. Through posts on X (formerly Twitter), the Union Minister shared videos and insights from his visits, stating that he is learning valuable techniques that can potentially be adopted to boost agricultural production in India.

Chouhan expressed his enthusiasm for the knowledge exchange, noting, "During my stay in Brazil, I am getting the opportunity to be enriched with various experiences and techniques. Here I am observing agriculture and also learning many new things." The Minister also hinted at the possibility of implementing these innovative practices in India, especially in the areas of crop management and food processing.

Strengthening India-Brazil Ties

The discussions between Chouhan and the Brazilian agricultural community reflect the growing cooperation between the two nations in the field of agriculture. With the focus on technology transfer, trade enhancement, and biofuel production, both countries stand to gain significantly from deeper collaboration in this sector.

As India looks to strengthen its agricultural capabilities and improve food security, the partnership with Brazil presents an exciting opportunity for growth. The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting will further pave the way for increased dialogue and the development of practical solutions to global agricultural challenges.

Looking Forward

As the meeting in Brasilia progresses, it is expected that India and Brazil will announce new initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and integrate technology into the agricultural sector. With growing opportunities for both countries, the future of their agricultural partnership looks promising.

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