India has the largest area of cultivated land among the BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. However, according to an analysis of the BRICS Joint Statistical Publication released on August 18, India produces significantly less grain per hectare than China, the leading cereal producer in the bloc. This disparity highlights ongoing challenges in India’s agricultural productivity despite its extensive farming landscape.
The issue of lower yields was also taken up at the BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ meeting in Indore in June. The countries, as per the joint statement, called for cooperation on technology, quality inputs, research, mechanisation, digital agriculture and improved farm-level efficiency. a comparison with Brazil shows Brazil’s 2025 rice yield was 7,234 kg/ha, almost 2.5 times India’s, while its maize yield of 6,364 kg/ha was about 66% higher While the document provides limited data for other countries. However, India’s wheat yield of 3,591 kg/ha was higher than Brazil’s 3,230 kg/ha. Russia also recorded a lower wheat yield of 3,431 kg/ha in 2025.
The joint declaration listed “low agricultural productivity” among the challenges facing BRICS agriculture, alongside climate risks, land and water degradation, biodiversity loss and supply-chain disruptions.
