Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s recent visit to Brazil stands as a significant moment in India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its agricultural landscape and deepen international partnerships. With a focus on technology, sustainability, and inclusivity, the visit not only reinforced India’s commitment to global cooperation but also brought the concerns of small and marginal farmers to the forefront of the global agricultural dialogue.
Leading the Indian delegation at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia, Shri Chouhan used the platform to advocate for stronger collaboration among member nations in areas like agricultural technology, food processing, innovation, and trade. His message was clear and heartfelt—unless small farmers are empowered, the dream of global food security cannot be fully realized. With genuine concern for the farming community, he stressed India’s dedication to sustainable and equitable agriculture, while calling for knowledge-sharing and trust among BRICS nations.
The visit was rich in substance and spirit. Shri Chouhan highlighted the importance of promoting soya production and exports in India and expressed India’s eagerness to learn from Brazil’s highly advanced farming techniques, especially in the areas of mechanization, precision farming, irrigation, and climate-friendly crop varieties. His engagements reflected a strong desire to adopt and adapt global innovations to benefit Indian farmers, particularly those in need of support and modernization.
In his meetings with Brazilian Agriculture Ministers and agribusiness leaders, Shri Chouhan explored opportunities for cooperation in agricultural technology, food processing, biofuels, and supply chain integration. Discussions also touched upon setting up soybean production and processing units in India—a move that could not only reduce dependency on imports but also open new avenues for Indian farmers in the global market.
Beyond diplomacy and trade, the visit carried a personal and emotional undertone. Continuing his daily practice of planting a sapling, Shri Chouhan participated in a tree plantation drive at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, symbolizing environmental stewardship and reverence for motherhood. His interaction with the Indian diaspora in São Paulo was warm and encouraging, as he recognized their contributions to fostering India-Brazil relations and shared India’s vision for becoming a developed nation by 2047, marking a century of independence.
His words captured the essence of the journey: “During my stay in Brazil, I got the opportunities to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. We will utilize these technologies to increase production in India. I am confident that the mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and give a new direction to global food security.”
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s visit to Brazil, thus, goes beyond official meetings and photo opportunities. It represents a compassionate and strategic effort to bring global innovation to Indian soil, uplift small farmers, and contribute meaningfully to the shared goal of a food-secure world.
