BRICS Land Restoration Partnership

Recently, BRICS nations introduced the “BRICS Land Restoration Partnership” during the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Brasilia, Brazil. This initiative aims to tackle land degradation, desertification, and soil fertility loss across its 11 member countries. The partnership puts stress on a collective commitment to reforming the global agri-food system to be fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

About BRICS

BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. Initially formed in 2001, it expanded to include six new members – Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, Iran, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia. The group represents 47% of the world’s population and contributes 36% of global GDP.

Significance of the Partnership

The BRICS Land Restoration Partnership focuses on addressing critical issues in agriculture. It aims to enhance food security and combat climate change. The partnership seeks to empower smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, who are vital for global food systems.

Challenges in Agriculture

Agricultural practices face several challenges, including:

• Over-dependence on rainfall, with 60% of cultivated land reliant on monsoon.
• Price volatility affecting farmers’ income.
• Limited access to finance for smallholders.

These challenges necessitate a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices.

Defining Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture refers to farming methods that meet current food needs while safeguarding resources for future generations. This involves environmentally friendly practices that enhance productivity, ensure socio-economic equity, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

Initiatives for Sustainable Agriculture

Several initiatives have been launched to promote sustainable agriculture:

• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) support small farmers by aggregating produce and improving market access.
• Warehouse receipt financing allows farmers to store produce and sell when prices are favourable.
• The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) focuses on climate-resilient farming and soil health.
• The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) enhances resilience through research and technology.

Joint Declaration Highlights

The recent joint declaration from the BRICS meeting brought into light commitments to:

• Food security and climate adaptation.
• Empowerment of women and youth in agriculture.
• Sustainable fisheries and livestock development.
• Soil and land restoration initiatives.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2025

Category: Agriculture Current Affairs