A five-day meeting of BRICS member countries began in Indore on Tuesday, with discussions centred on food security, climate-resilient agriculture, farmer welfare and greater cooperation among member nations in the agriculture sector.Officials from BRICS countries participated in the opening round of discussions under India’s BRICS chairmanship, PTI reported.A senior official from the Department of Agriculture said issues such as food security, the impact of climate change on farming and strengthening agricultural cooperation are among the key topics being deliberated.“The meeting is discussing common issues in the agricultural sector of BRICS countries to enhance cooperation and jointly address the problems faced by farmers. These include issues such as the impact of climate change on agriculture and financing for the agricultural sector,” Ajit Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, told reporters.Sahu said BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world’s population, making food security a critical area of common concern.“He said BRICS countries are home to nearly half the world’s population, and therefore, ensuring food security in these countries and maintaining it in the future is an important common topic of discussion.”“Agriculture ensures food security and nutritional security. Therefore, agricultural development is essential,” Sahu added.The meeting is also discussing the exchange of agricultural technology and ways to boost trade among BRICS nations.According to Sahu, around eight meetings have already been held under four sessions of the Agriculture Working Group, while the fifth session, which started in Indore, is being conducted in person.The Agriculture Working Group will continue its deliberations until June 11.A meeting of agriculture ministers from BRICS and partner countries is scheduled to be held on June 12 and 13, Sahu said.Earlier in the day, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary Atish Chandra led the inaugural session of the conference.Officials said discussions during the five-day event will cover food security, farmer welfare, nutrition, climate-friendly smart agriculture, international agricultural trade, supply chains, digital agriculture, research, knowledge sharing, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.A joint declaration is expected to be issued after agriculture ministers of the participating countries reach a consensus on key issues.