The international BRICS Agriculture Conference commenced in Indore on Tuesday, bringing together agriculture ministers, senior officials, and experts from nearly 20 countries. Hosted by India in its capacity as BRICS president, the five-day event from June 9 to 13 is expected to shape future global cooperation in food security and sustainable farming.

The gathering assumes significance as BRICS nations collectively account for a substantial share of the world’s agricultural resources. Central Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that the group holds about 42% of global agricultural land, 68% of agricultural holdings, and 42% of food production, positioning the Indore meet as a key platform for influencing worldwide agricultural policies.

India-Russia Bilateral Engagement

In the first session on Tuesday, a bilateral meeting between India and Russia took centre stage. Discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, expanding agricultural trade, and promoting technical collaboration for sustainable development. Officials explored strengthening food supply chains, improving market access, and advancing joint research on climate-resilient farming practices. Sources familiar with the meeting described the talks as constructive, reflecting a shared commitment to bolster strategic partnership in agriculture.

Focus on Key Global Challenges

The conference will address four major themes: food security, nutrition and livelihoods; agricultural trade and international cooperation; climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture; and innovation and partnerships in agri-food systems. Particular attention is being paid to challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, access to credit, market linkages, and adoption of modern technologies.

Detailed Schedule for Ministerial-Level Discussions

Over the coming days, the Agriculture Working Group will deliberate on a draft joint declaration. The ministerial dialogue is scheduled for June 12, with the theme ‘Ensuring Future Food Security through Small Farmers, Women and Youth’. On June 13, the main BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting will conclude the event with the adoption of key recommendations.

Delegates are also set to participate in a symbolic ‘BRICS Vatika’ initiative, involving collective tree planting to underscore commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Cultural Immersion for International Delegates

Foreign participants will get a taste of Indore and the Malwa region’s rich heritage. Planned visits include Rajwada Palace, Chhappan Dukan, Sarafa Bazaar, and the historic Mandu fort. One delegate group had already enjoyed local cuisine at Chhappan Dukan a day before the formal start.

For Madhya Pradesh, the event presents a major opportunity to position itself as a hub for global agriculture, food processing, and investment. Experts believe successful outcomes could boost the state’s export potential and attract new collaborations in agri-innovation.

Looking Ahead

As the conference progresses, expectations are high for concrete outcomes on reducing food loss, tackling climate change impacts, and empowering women and youth in agriculture. The final document from the ministerial meeting is likely to outline actionable steps for enhanced BRICS cooperation in the sector.

The Indore BRICS Agriculture Conference comes at a time when global food systems face multiple pressures, from climate variability to supply chain disruptions. India’s proactive hosting reflects its growing role in shaping multilateral agricultural agendas.

The United Nations has issued a strong alert over the likely return of El Niño, with an 80 per cent probability of the climate pattern developing before September. The development has raised fresh concerns in India about a potentially deficient southwest monsoon and drought-like conditions in several parts of the country.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said there is a 90 per cent chance that El Niño conditions will persist through November. Most models suggest the event could be at least moderate in strength, and some experts believe it may rank among the stronger episodes in recent decades.

Global temperatures set to rise further

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the forecast as “pouring fuel on the fire of a warming world.” He urged governments to prepare for intensified extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and droughts.

The WMO has also forecast above-average temperatures across most regions in the coming months. The previous El Niño of 2023-24 was among the five strongest on record and contributed to record global heat in 2024.

How El Niño disrupts Indian monsoon

El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific become unusually warm. This alters global atmospheric circulation, particularly the Walker Circulation, often weakening the flow of moisture towards the Indian subcontinent.

In India, El Niño years are historically linked to below-normal rainfall, delayed monsoon onset, and uneven distribution. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already projected that the country may receive only about 92 per cent of normal rainfall this season. While some parts of the Northeast, Northwest, and South may fare better, large swathes of central and western India could see deficits.

 Farming and rural economy at risk

With over half of India’s farmland still dependent on monsoon rains, even a modest shortfall can have serious consequences. Lower crop output, especially in rain-fed regions, could hit farmer incomes and weaken rural demand. Kharif sowing, which begins in June-July, remains particularly vulnerable.

Experts warn that prolonged dry spells during the second half of the monsoon (July-September) could worsen water shortages in reservoirs and rivers.

 Heatwaves likely to intensify

India is already seeing longer and more severe heatwaves due to climate change. El Niño conditions often amplify this trend. Central and northwestern states may face extended periods of extreme heat in the coming months.

A recent Lancet study highlighted the scale of the problem. Heat exposure in 2024 alone led to the loss of an estimated 247 billion potential labour hours in India, mostly in agriculture and construction, causing economic losses of around $194 billion. Informal workers, daily wagers, and those in outdoor occupations remain the worst affected.

 Food security and inflation concerns

Global food supplies are already under pressure. A strong El Niño could further disrupt production in key regions, pushing up prices. In India, any significant shortfall in domestic output of rice, pulses, or oilseeds may increase food inflation, affecting households and government subsidy programmes.

Officials are closely monitoring reservoir levels and groundwater situations. Some states have begun early planning for contingency measures, including cloud seeding in select areas and promotion of drought-resistant crop varieties.

 Background and past lessons

India has faced notable El Niño impacts in the past, including the severe drought years of 2002, 2009, and 2015-16. Each episode brought deficient rainfall and tested the country’s preparedness.

However, improved forecasting, better irrigation coverage in some states, and expanded crop insurance have helped reduce vulnerability over the years. This time, the challenge is compounded by the long-term effects of climate change.

 What lies ahead

The IMD is expected to release its updated monsoon forecast in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the government may accelerate preparations for water management and contingency planning at the state level.

As the world heads into another period of climatic uncertainty, the UN warning serves as a timely reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of such events. For India, the focus remains on minimising the impact on its 1.4 billion people, particularly those dependent on agriculture and vulnerable to extreme heat.

India Imposes Sugar Export Ban Till Sept 2026

Government tightens grip on sugar outflows to secure domestic stocks and steady prices amid festive demand.

In a swift move to safeguard local supply, the Centre has banned sugar exports effective May 13 until September 30, 2026, or further notice. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the change late Tuesday, shifting raw, white, and refined sugar from 'Restricted' to 'Prohibited' category under DGFT rules. Officials say this will help control prices and ensure availability, especially with festivals looming.

Ban Kicks In Immediately

The notification, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, bars all sugar shipments without special clearance. This comes after India exported 7.75 million tons in FY 2024-25—up sharply from 1 million tons the year before. Earlier years saw even higher volumes: 11 million tons in 2021-22 and 7 million in 2020-21. Sources in the trade ministry noted the decision stems from rising domestic needs.

EU, US Quotas Unaffected

Not all doors are shut. Exports to the European Union and US under CXL and TRQ quotas will continue as per existing schedules. Shipments tied to the Advance Authorisation Scheme also get a pass. "These are locked-in commitments," a senior official told reporters on background, stressing no disruption to key partners.

Relief for Port-Bound Cargo

Traders with sugar already in transit got some breathing room. Vessels where loading began before the notification can sail out. Same for shipments with filed bills of entry or anchored at Indian ports. Consignments handed to customs and logged electronically are exempt for now. This clause aims to avoid chaos at major ports like Mumbai and Kandla, where sugar piles up.

Neighbours' Food Security Clause

The order leaves wiggle room for emergencies. If a neighbouring country faces a sugar crunch threatening food security, New Delhi can approve limited exports case-by-case. No such requests are pending yet, per initial reports, but the provision nods to India's regional role.

Past Exports in Perspective

India's sugar outbound surged post-ethanol blending pushes, but domestic mills flagged shortages last season. FY 2023-24 exports crashed to 1 million tons amid similar curbs. The fresh India sugar export ban reverses that trend, prioritising local mills and consumers. Prices have held steady so far, but traders watch ethanol mandates closely.

Festive Season in Focus

With Diwali and other festivals ahead, the ban targets potential price spikes. Ground reports from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra—top sugar belts—indicate ample stocks, but rains could play spoiler. Millers welcome the step, though some grumble over lost forex. Retail prices hover around ₹40-45 per kg in key markets.

What's Next After September?

The prohibition lasts till September 30, 2026; absent extension, sugar reverts to 'Restricted' status automatically. Government circles hint at reviews based on crop yields and global cues. For now, this India sugar export ban underscores priority on home turf—steady supply over overseas sales.