New Delhi, September 14 (HS). Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur, Ambassador of India to Brazil Suresh Reddy and Joint Secretary (NRM) Franklin L Khobang, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare participated in the G-20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting held in Cuiaba, Brazil on 12-14 September 2024. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare gave this information in a statement issued on Saturday regarding the meeting.
According to a statement issued by the ministry, on this occasion, Ram Nath Thakur congratulated Brazil for its successful presidency of the G20 and for taking forward the initiatives launched under India's G20 presidency. He also wished South Africa all the best for its future presidency of the G20. Apart from the ministerial sessions, Ram Nath Thakur held bilateral meetings with the aim of strengthening India's agricultural relations with other countries. He reiterated India's readiness to cooperate, learn and contribute to the collective global efforts needed to tackle the challenges facing global food systems.
According to the ministry, four key priority areas of global agriculture were discussed in this meeting. These include the contribution of international trade to the sustainability of agriculture and food systems in their various dimensions, food security and nutrition; enhancing the essential role of family farmers, small farmers, indigenous people and local communities in sustainable, tolerant and inclusive agriculture and food systems; fourth, promoting the integration of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in local and global value chains.
According to the statement of the Ministry, Ram Nath Thakur said in his address that under the leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India gives priority to agricultural development. Our approach focuses not only on productivity, but also ensures economic, social and environmental sustainability. It increases the prosperity of farmers and embodies a comprehensive approach to development. He further said that India is implementing the world's largest food-based security programs to ensure food security and nutrition.