India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 marked another milestone in advancing cooperation in the livestock sector, as the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, convened the High-Level Dialogue on Advanced Livestock Technology & Feed Systems (ALT&FS) under the BRICS Agricultural Working Group on 1 June 2026 in virtual mode from Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

The dialogue witnessed virtual participation from Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD); Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary, DAHD; Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); and senior officials of DAHD. The dialogue brought together distinguished experts, policymakers, researchers, and representatives of international organizations. Dr. 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 dialogue served as a significant platform for fostering international cooperation, promoting innovation, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices in advanced livestock technologies, animal nutrition, and sustainable feed systems, with a focus on strengthening resilient livestock sectors across participating nations.

Addressing the gathering through virtual mode, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, highlighted the vital role of the livestock sector in supporting rural livelihoods, women empowerment, and nutritional security across BRICS nations. He emphasized the need to address challenges such as low productivity, feed shortages, animal diseases, and climate change through innovation and sustainable solutions. The Hon’ble Minister underscored the importance of knowledge-sharing and collective actions among BRICS countries to build resilient and sustainable livestock systems. He expressed confidence that the dialogue would strengthen cooperation and foster meaningful partnerships in the livestock sector.

Addressing the participants, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, stressed the pivotal role of the livestock sector in driving rural prosperity across BRICS nations. He emphasized the need to address challenges such as climate change, feed shortages, and emerging animal diseases through innovation and sustainable solutions. Stressing the importance of advanced livestock technologies and resilient feed systems, he called for enhanced collaboration and knowledge-sharing among BRICS countries to build inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-centric livestock sectors.

Delivering the Welcome Address through virtual mode from Anand, Gujarat, Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable feed systems for strengthening the livestock and dairy sectors.

In his opening remarks, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAHD, highlighted the vital role of livestock in food security, rural livelihoods, and inclusive growth. He emphasized the importance of quality feed, innovation, and scientific collaboration to strengthen sustainable livestock development.

Representatives from BRICS member countries and participating organizations shared their experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches related to livestock technology, feed systems, animal nutrition, and sustainable livestock development. The deliberations focused on strengthening research collaboration, promoting innovation, improving livestock productivity, enhancing food security, and supporting rural livelihoods across member nations.
 

In her closing remarks, Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (Cattle & Dairy), DAHD, highlighted the need for continued cooperation among BRICS nations to promote livestock technologies, sustainable feed systems, innovation, and knowledge sharing for building resilient livestock sector.

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.

****

JP

(Release ID: 2267550) Visitor Counter : 692