‘BRICS nations need knowledge sharing in livestock sector’

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Monday called for collective actions and knowledge sharing among BRICS countries to strengthen the livestock sector, and stressed on finding innovative solutions to tackle challenges like animal disease and feed shortage.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying organised a high-level dialogue on ‘Advanced Livestock Technology & Feed Systems (ALT&FS)’ under the BRICS Agricultural Working Group in virtual mode, according to an official statement.

Singh highlighted the vital role of the livestock sector in supporting rural livelihoods, women empowerment, and nutritional security across BRICS nations.

He emphasised the need to address “challenges such as low productivity, feed shortages, animal diseases, and climate change through innovation and sustainable solutions”.

The minister underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing and collective actions among BRICS countries to build resilient and sustainable livestock systems. The dialogue would strengthen cooperation and foster meaningful partnerships in the livestock sector, he added.

SP Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, called for enhanced collaboration and knowledge-sharing among BRICS countries to build inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-centric livestock sectors. Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary in the department, emphasised the importance of quality feed, innovation, and scientific collaboration to strengthen sustainable livestock development.

Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (Cattle & Dairy) in the department, stressed the continued cooperation among BRICS nations to promote livestock technologies, sustainable feed systems, innovation, and knowledge sharing for building a resilient livestock sector.

Many experts, policymakers, researchers, and representatives of international organisations attended the event.

Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General, Director of Animal Production and Health Division (NSA), from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and subject experts from Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Russia, UAE and Iran participated in the dialogue.

“The high-level dialogue reaffirmed the shared commitment of BRICS nations towards leveraging technology, innovation, and collaborative partnerships for the sustainable development of the livestock sector and strengthening global food and nutritional security,” the statement said.

The BRICS, initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, with Indonesia joining in 2025.