Question : COOPERATION AMONG BRICS COUNTRIES

(a) whether India has participated in the fourth meeting of BRICS Ministers of Agricultural and Agrarian Development recently held at Brazil;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of issues discussed by various participants and decisions taken during the said meeting;

(d) whether there is ample scope for cooperation among BRICS countries in the areas of productivity enhancement in horticulture crops, exchange of processable varieties and development of cold chain facilities; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the details of decisions taken to increase the activities in such areas?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. An Indian delegation led by Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Agriculture Minister, participated in the fourth meeting of BRICS Ministers of Agricultural and Agrarian Development recently held in Brazil.

(c) to (e): The BRICS Agricultural Ministers emphasized the importance and potential of BRICs Cooperation in agriculture, and discussed ways to promote trade and investment in agricultural sector, establish cooperation agreements to facilitate greater access to agricultural market, to intensify cooperation in areas of agricultural science, technology, innovation and capacity building, including technologies for small holder farming.