New Delhi, September 14(APAC Media): BRICS countries are stepping up cooperation in agriculture, with AI, digital farming and agri-tech startups emerging as key areas of focus at the BRICS Business Forum 2026 and the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
AI And Digital Agriculture
Discussions focused on using artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) tools and precision farming to improve farm productivity and decision-making. Delegates also discussed expanding investment, cross-border innovation and market access for agri-tech startups.
The talks also covered basic agricultural challenges. Russia highlighted the importance of soil fertility, while discussions involving African members stressed the need to improve access to quality seeds and agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers.
New BRICS Agriculture Initiatives
The meetings also resulted in three major agriculture-focused initiatives. The proposed BRICS Agriculture Portal will provide a digital platform for farmers, researchers, startups and investors to exchange information and explore technology and market opportunities.
BRICS members also agreed to develop Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology, covering natural, organic and regenerative farming practices. The initiative will initially be coordinated by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research.
A Network on Digital Agriculture, initially coordinated by IIT Delhi, will focus on AI-based decision-support systems and geospatial intelligence. The initiatives place digital technology alongside climate resilience, soil health and farm productivity in the bloc’s agricultural cooperation agenda.
