BRICS technological advances are a point of hope for sustainable agricultural development in the world
The BRICS group is considered one of the influential parties in global trade, along with the G7. BRICS was formally formed in 2009 with the participation of four countries: Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). BRICS strategies and practices reflect the dynamic interaction between national interests and global realities and highlight the need for continuous international interaction and cooperation. As the BRICS countries continue to evolve and exert influence, strengthening a balanced and inclusive approach to agricultural development will be essential to ensure global food security, environmental health and socio-economic stability.
Hossein Shirzad, an analyst of agricultural issues in the context of development, wrote in an exclusive note for Mehr News Agency that BRICS member countries have played a pivotal role in the transformation of global agriculture through significant investments in technology and infrastructure. These countries have introduced a wide range of innovative technologies such as precision agriculture, biotechnology and advanced data analytics. For example, China’s investment in precision agriculture technologies, including the use of satellite imagery and drones, has enabled more accurate monitoring of crop health and optimal resource allocation. Brazil has similarly made progress in this area by developing genetically modified crops, such as pest-resistant soybeans, which have significantly increased crop yields and agricultural productivity. These technological advances are not only boosting productivity in the BRICS countries, but are also setting new benchmarks for agricultural practices around the world, pushing global standards towards higher productivity and innovation.
BRICS Capabilities in Technological Advances and Innovation
Technological innovations in BRICS countries are reshaping global agricultural markets by changing trade dynamics and market structures. Brazil’s advances in agricultural biotechnology have strengthened its position as a leading exporter of soybeans and beef, thereby influencing global supply chains and trade patterns. At the same time, China’s technological advances have solidified its role as a major player in global agricultural trade, particularly in grains and vegetables. This technological change has put new competitive pressures on traditional agricultural powers, which are now struggling to adapt to the evolving technological landscape or risk losing their competitive edge in the international market. Technological advances in BRICS countries offer promising benefits for sustainable agricultural development. Precision farming techniques, such as targeted use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, help reduce resource waste and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In addition, innovations in biotechnology, including the development of drought-resistant crops, are improving resilience to climate change and reducing the environmental footprint of agricultural activities. These advances significantly contribute to global sustainability goals by fostering more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, thereby supporting long-term environmental balance and food security.
However, rapid technological advances from BRICS countries also bring significant environmental and ethical challenges. The spread of genetically modified crops and intensive farming practices, particularly in Brazil, has been linked to deforestation and biodiversity loss in the Amazon rainforest. In China, the widespread use of chemical inputs in high-yield agriculture has raised concerns about soil degradation and water pollution. These issues highlight the need for a balanced approach to technology development that incorporates environmental protection and ethical considerations, ensuring that innovations do not come at the expense of environmental health or social justice.