JAKARTA (Bernama): BRICS countries have pledged stronger cooperation in food security, sustainable agriculture and digital farming, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite-based agricultural monitoring, to build more resilient agricultural systems.
In a statement on Sunday, Indonesia's Agriculture Ministry said the commitment was outlined in a joint declaration adopted at the BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting held under India's 2026 presidency in Indore on June 12-13.
According to the ministry, BRICS members agreed to expand cooperation in livestock technology, animal health, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as post-harvest management, storage, cold-chain systems and food loss reduction to enhance food security and improve farmers' incomes.
"BRICS countries also encouraged stronger cooperation in food safety, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards and measures, as well as digital certification. Such cooperation could help improve market access and the competitiveness of Indonesian agricultural products in international markets.
"In addition, BRICS members agreed to strengthen cooperation in climate-resilient agriculture, agroecology and regenerative agriculture,” the statement read.
Acting Director General of Plantations Ali Jamil said the declaration reaffirmed BRICS' commitment to strengthening global food security, improving the welfare of smallholder farmers, women and youth, and expanding cooperation in innovation, technology, trade and sustainable agricultural development.
"For Indonesia, the outcomes of the meeting open up various strategic opportunities, including expanded cooperation in research, innovation and technology transfer through the BRICS Agricultural Research Platform (BARP), while strengthening collaboration in seeds, genetic resources, fertilisers and agricultural inputs through BRICS AGRIN network to support higher productivity and national food security,” he said.
The ministry said Indonesia also held bilateral talks with South Africa and India on the sidelines of the meeting to enhance cooperation in food quality and safety standards, market access, capacity building and digital agriculture.
-- BERNAMA
