Brazilian Agriculture Minister Visits ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram to Explore India’s Nature-Based Farming Solutions

18 February 2026, Modipuram

The Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming of Brazil, Mr. Luiz Paulo Teixeira Ferreira, paid a technical visit to the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, accompanied by a high-level delegation, to learn from India’s experience in nature-based agricultural solutions.

The delegation was warmly received by Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), Dr. A. Velmurugan, Assistant Director General (Soil & Water Management), ICAR, and Dr. Sunil Kumar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR. Detailed discussions were held on regenerative agriculture and nature-based practices aimed at strengthening sustainable family farming systems.

During the visit, the Minister and his team toured the Model Natural Farm developed under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). Scientists briefed the delegation on various bio-inputs used in natural farming and demonstrated their preparation and field application. The model showcased low-cost, eco-friendly technologies designed specifically for small and marginal farmers.

Mr. Teixeira also interacted with progressive local natural farmers and discussed strategies to enhance the profitability of natural farming. He showed particular interest in the quality, nutritional value, and characteristics of the produce and personally sampled farm products to assess their attributes. At the conclusion of the visit, the Minister expressed strong interest in fostering technical collaboration with Indian scientists and farmers to advance regenerative agriculture in Brazil.

The Brazilian delegation included Mr. Maurício Polidoro (International Advisor), Ms. Joice Miranda de Oliveira (Communication Advisor), Mr. Jose Kley Chrispiniano Junior (Communication Advisor), Mr. Eduardo Braga (Embassy of Brazil), and Portuguese–Hindi–English interpreter Mr. Jasmeet Singh Chawla.

Ms. Gulvina Badhan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, also participated in the programme.

Scientists and staff of ICAR-IIFSR were present during the visit.

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram)