BRASILIA / Brazil, 20 April 2025: In a significant diplomatic and strategic move, Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan concluded a high-impact visit to Brazil, marking a new chapter in India’s global agricultural outreach.
Representing India at the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Brasilia, Shri Chouhan emphasized enhanced cooperation in agricultural trade, innovation, and sustainable practices between India and Brazil, with a sharp focus on empowering small farmers and boosting soybean production.
The minister’s visit, which aligns with India’s broader vision for global food security and sustainable agriculture, involved crucial bilateral talks with Brazilian ministers and stakeholders in agribusiness. During his engagements, Chouhan underlined India’s commitment to leveraging Brazil’s advancements in climate-resilient soybean varieties, precision farming, bioenergy, and irrigation systems. These collaborations are expected to accelerate agricultural exports, integrate supply chains, and open new avenues for Indian farmers to access global agri-tech solutions.
A key highlight was Chouhan’s strong pitch for increasing soybean production and exports in India through joint investments and technology transfer. “We are actively exploring opportunities to set up soybean processing plants and boost export capabilities by adopting Brazil’s successful agri-model,” said Shri Chouhan.
He also voiced deep concern for the needs of small and marginal farmers, stating that their inclusion is vital to achieving global food security. “Unless the smallest cultivators are protected and empowered, our collective efforts will remain incomplete,” he noted during the BRICS meeting attended by senior representatives from 10 nations including Russia, China, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
As part of his visit, Chouhan conducted site visits to soybean and tomato farms, participated in a tree plantation under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative at the Indian Embassy in Brasilia, and engaged with 27 top agribusiness leaders in São Paulo. Discussions covered agro-tech innovation, food processing, rural development, and investment in agricultural machinery.
Meetings with Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favero and Agricultural Development Minister Luiz Teixeira centered on biofuel collaboration, seed research, and mechanization—a strategic roadmap that promises to transform India’s rural economy and reduce import dependency.
Commenting on the broader implications of his trip, Shri Chouhan said, “This visit was not just about diplomacy—it’s about real change. The mutual cooperation between India and Brazil will empower our farmers and reshape the global agricultural economy.”
He concluded by emphasizing India’s readiness to share and adopt innovations that align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed, self-reliant India by 2047—the centenary of India’s independence.
As India marches into the Amrit Kaal, this visit marks a pivotal moment for strengthening agricultural diplomacy and turning India into a global hub for agri-tech leadership, food innovation, and export growth.
