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Supporting Farmers Highlighted at BRICS Business Forum
There has been a call to support farmers at the BRICS Business Forum, where leaders have been urged to pioneer the development of a robust farming system. According to SAnews, this plea emerged during panel discussions on agriculture at the Sandton Convention Centre as part of the ongoing BRICS Business Forum. The discussions centred on sustainable agricultural development within BRICS countries and facilitating trade and investment in the sector across the member nations.
The Chair of the Indian chapter of the BRICS Business Council, Jai Shroff, stressed the urgency of establishing a reward system to ensure food security and tackle the far-reaching effects of climate change on farmers. Shroff underlined the significance of soil preservation and proposed that BRICS nations take the lead in creating a system that would incentivise and support sustainable agriculture practices. He further highlighted the importance of recognising and rewarding farmers for their role in environmental conservation.
Bruno Ferla, Chair of the Brazil chapter of the BRICS Business Council, pointed to technology as a driving force behind his home country’s agricultural prowess. He highlighted Brazil’s successful integration of technological innovations into farming practices, contributing to the nation’s position as a powerhouse in agriculture.
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Discussing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber, drew attention to shifts in temperature affecting vital chemicals and seeds used in agricultural production. He emphasised the need for BRICS countries to address this critical concern and adapt strategies accordingly. Sihlobo highlighted the importance of improving intra-trade within the BRICS bloc, particularly for countries like South Africa.
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, signed an agreement with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. The agreement outlines the export of South African agricultural products to China, a move anticipated to elevate the export of avocados to the Asian nation. Didiza expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, recognising it as a strategic step towards realising an export-led growth trajectory for South African avocados.
Didiza noted the expanding footprint of the avocado industry in South Africa, which has increased by 4,750 hectares in recent years, bringing the total hectares to over 18,000. She identified China as a potential major consumer of avocados, which presents a significant opportunity for expanding avocado production in South Africa. This development coincides with the State Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Africa, where he participates in the 15th BRICS Summit.
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Picture: X / Kanthan2030
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