BRICS AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION
🌾 What Happened at Indore — And Why Exporters Must Pay Attention
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the inaugural session of the BRICS Agricultural Cooperation Meeting in Indore on June 12, 2026. This is not a routine diplomatic event — BRICS nations together account for nearly 40% of the world's agricultural output and represent some of India's most important emerging export markets.
India's participation signals a new push to deepen agri trade ties with Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa — markets where Indian products like basmati rice, spices, tea, cotton and processed food have strong existing demand but untapped potential.
The cooperation framework being discussed covers joint research, technology sharing, food security collaboration and simplified trade procedures — all of which directly reduce barriers for Indian agri exporters entering BRICS markets.
Which Indian Products Have Demand in BRICS Markets
| BRICS Nation | Key Import Demand | India Can Export | Opportunity Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | Spices, Pharma inputs | Turmeric, Pepper, APIs | High |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | Tea, Rice, Processed Food | Basmati, Darjeeling Tea | Very High |
| 🇨🇳 China | Cotton, Organic Produce | Cotton, Castor Oil | Medium |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | Rice, Wheat, Pulses | Non-Basmati Rice, Lentils | High |
📋 What the BRICS Framework Means — And How to Register
The cooperation framework discussed at Indore focuses on three key areas that directly affect exporters:
- Simplified phytosanitary and food safety procedures — fewer inspection delays at BRICS ports
- Joint agricultural research — better crop varieties aligned with BRICS market preferences
- Food security cooperation — long-term supply agreements between governments that open doors for private exporters
To take advantage of these opportunities, Indian agri exporters must be properly registered before approaching any BRICS buyer. Unregistered exporters cannot legally export most agri commodities and will be turned away at customs.
Step by Step Registration Process
| Step | What To Do | Time Needed | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get IEC — Import Export Code. Mandatory for every exporter | 2–3 working days | dgft.gov.in |
| 2 | Register with APEDA — compulsory for rice, spices, processed food, meat | 7–10 days | apeda.gov.in |
| 3 | Find correct HS Code for your product — determines duty and eligibility | Same day | DGFT HS Tool |
| 4 | Check BRICS country specific import restrictions for your product | 1–2 days research | Destination customs portal |
| 5 | Apply for Phytosanitary Certificate — mandatory for all plant based products | 3–5 days | APEDA / State Agri Dept |
| 6 | Get Certificate of Origin — proves product is made in India for trade benefits | 1–2 days | coo.dgft.gov.in |
✅ Before You Approach Any BRICS Buyer — Complete Verification Guide
The BRICS agricultural cooperation framework creates the opportunity — but only exporters who are fully prepared will benefit. Many Indian agri exporters lose orders at the last stage because of missing documents or incomplete registrations. Go through every point below before contacting any buyer in Brazil, Russia, China or South Africa.
| Area | What to Verify | Why It Matters | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IEC | Active and address updated | Customs won't process without valid IEC | ☐ |
| APEDA | Registered and certificate current | Mandatory for agri commodity export | ☐ |
| HS Code | Confirmed for your exact product | Wrong HS Code = wrong duty = shipment held | ☐ |
| Phytosanitary | Certificate arranged before shipping | BRICS ports reject plant products without this | ☐ |
| COO | Applied and matches invoice value | Required for preferential treatment | ☐ |
| Freight | Forwarder with BRICS route experience | Documentation errors are common with new routes | ☐ |
| Payment | LC or advance confirmed in writing | Never ship without confirmed payment method | ☐ |
| Insurance | ECGC export credit insurance taken | Protects against buyer default and political risk | ☐ |
Source: PIB India, June 12, 2026 | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
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📌 Source: PIB India, June 12, 2026 | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
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