Context: Recently, Union Minister for Agriculture addressed the 11th meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers under the theme BRICS Partnership for Strengthening Agro Biodiversity for Food Security and Nutrition.

• Apart from that he also announced the operationalization of BRICS Agricultural Research Platform prepared and set up in India for strengthening the cooperation in the field of agricultural research & innovations amongst the BRICS member States.

Key Points

• The Action Plan of 2021-24 for Agricultural Cooperation of BRICS Countries was adopted in the Ministers' meeting.
• The Action Plan focuses on the themes of food security, welfare of farmers, conservation of agrobiodiversity, resilience of food and agricultural production systems, promotion of digital agricultural solutions etc. which are integral to the sustainable development of agriculture.
• It has been proposed to include “Conservation and promotion of agrobiodiversity for nutrition and sustainability” as a focus area for collaboration in the Action Plan 2021-2024 for Agricultural Cooperation of BRICS Countries.

About BRICS Agricultural Research Platform 

• This is the first such multi-disciplinary and multi-lateral Platform established in Indian agriculture which has five big countries participating through virtual network for agricultural development and growth.
• It has been set up in India for strengthening the cooperation in the field of agricultural research & innovations amongst the BRICS member States.
• It has been developed by India.
• As a global platform for science-led agriculture it will help in addressing the issues of world hunger, undernutrition, poverty and inequality by promoting sustainable agricultural development through strategic cooperation in agriculture and allied sector.

Action Plan of 2021-24 for Agricultural Cooperation Adopted

• Focuses on the themes of food security, welfare of farmers, conservation of agrobiodiversity, resilience of food and agricultural production systems, promotion of digital agricultural solutions etc.

India's Stand:
Highlighted its efforts in preserving the agro-biodiversity by

• Establishing and maintaining the National Gene banks for plants, animals, fish, insects and agriculturally important microorganisms at different respective Bureaus.
• Actively promoting the diversification of its agri-food systems through countrywide programs such as pulses, oilseeds, horticultural crops, National Bamboo Mission and the recently launched National Palm Oil Mission.
• The objective of these programs is to increase the income of the farmers along with providing diversification in both farm and plate.