India Boosts Global Agricultural Ties at G20 Ministerial Meeting in Brazil

India participated in the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting held on September 12-13, 2024, in Cuiabá, Brazil. Led by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ram Nath Thakur, the Indian delegation held key discussions with global partners like the USA, Brazil, Japan, Germany, the UK, Spain, and the UAE. These meetings focused on improving agricultural trade, technological cooperation, and sustainable farming practices.

Strategic Meetings with Key Nations

India held important discussions with several global partners, focusing on strengthening agricultural cooperation. These meetings covered topics like technology, trade, and sustainable farming practices.

India-Japan Discussions on Technology and Market Access

On September 12, Ram Nath Thakur met Japanese Agriculture Minister Sakamoto. They agreed to work together to introduce advanced technology in Indian agriculture, improve food processing and cold storage and promote sustainability. Thakur urged Japan to accelerate approval to import Indian pomegranates and grapes, while Japan sought permission to export Japanese cedar logs to India.

India-Brazil Collaboration on Science and Ethanol

On September 13, Ram Nath Thakur met Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro. Collaboration in agricultural science and technology, with a particular focus on ethanol production, was discussed. 

Both ministers had hoped to finalize a deal between India’s ICAR and Brazil’s Embrapa before the G20 leaders’ summit in November. India has sought access to Brazilian markets for Brazilian crops such as sorghum, rapeseed, cotton and barley, and Brazil has sought access to the Indian market for its citrus fruits.

India-USA Cooperation on Climate-Smart Agriculture

In a meeting with Xochitl Torres Small, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to joint initiatives under the USDA and MA&FW Dialogue. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in climate-smart agriculture, agricultural innovation, and crop risk protection. India raised market access concerns for fruits and vegetables, while the U.S. requested easier access for alfalfa hay fodder in the Indian market.

India-Germany: Focus on AI in Farming and Agroecology  

Thakur also met with Ophelia Nick, Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany. The two discussed areas of collaboration are artificial intelligence in farming, supporting small farmers, agroecology, and organic farming. Germany invited Thakur to participate in the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin.

India-UK: Collaboration on Sustainable Farming

During talks with UK Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner, both sides explored transforming agriculture into a sustainable food system. They discussed precision breeding, gene editing, and agricultural extension services. The UK expressed interest in learning from India’s agricultural extension models like the KVKs and ATMA programs, while India agreed to explore joint workshops.

India-Spain: Technology and Water-Use Efficiency

Thakur’s meeting with Luis Planas, Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, focused on collaborating in technology transfer and improving water-use efficiency. They also discussed developing climate-resilient agriculture. Spain thanked India for approving a veterinary certificate for dairy products and sought further cooperation on meat product protocols.

India-UAE: Exploring Vertical Farming

In talks with Dr. Amna Al Dahak, UAE’s Minister of Environment and Climate, both countries discussed increasing trade in agriculture and collaborating in research and technology. The UAE expressed a keen interest in vertical farming and high-yield technologies, and both sides discussed ways to create sustainable and resilient food systems.

India's Commitment to Food Security and Resilient Agricultural Systems

At the G20 agriculture ministers’ meeting, Thakur reiterated India’s commitment to building strong agricultural systems and ensuring global food security. He emphasized the focus on improving performance while maintaining economic, social and environmental sustainability. This approach aims to improve farmers’ welfare and support development.
“Our approach not only focuses on productivity but also ensures economic, social, and environmental sustainability, enhancing farmer prosperity and embodying a comprehensive vision for development,” Ram Nath Thakur said.

He highlighted India's efforts in implementing the world’s largest food-based safety net programs to ensure food security and nutrition. He also stressed the importance of special and differential treatment for developing and least-developed countries, particularly in supporting small and marginal fishers. 

What Was the Main Focus of the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting?

The meeting attended by Ram Nath Thakur focused on four main areas:

1. Sustainability of Agriculture and Food Systems
2. Enhancing International Trade’s Role in Food Security
3. Supporting Family Farmers, Smallholders, and Indigenous Communities
4. Promoting Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Value Chains

Various global partners appreciated India’s efforts to collaborate in these areas during the meeting. Later, Ram Nath Thakur congratulated Brazil on its G20 Presidency and thanked the country for continuing initiatives launched under India’s previous presidency. He also wished South Africa the best as it prepares for its upcoming G20 term.