India has sought cooperation from BRICS nations to meet its production shortfall of crops like pulses and oilseeds. Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said this while addressing the 6th meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers in New Delhi. <br/><br/>He said, it will offer business opportunities which could be tapped through innovative model like contract farming, leasing surplus land and conventional trade to meet India's requirements. The BRICS comprises of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Stating that BRICS have ample scope of cooperation in agriculture trade Mr Singh said there is a need to work together to enhance trade by resolving market access issues through suitable institutional mechanisms.<br/><br/>He also said India is encouraging higher investment in agriculture both by public and private sectors.<br/><br/>Later in a joint declaration, the BRICS countries have said to promote agriculture management and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. They said raising the farmer's income is central to addressing the problems of rising income inequality and excessive food price volatility. They also noted that solving the problem of food insecurity is essential. <br/><br/>The BRICS nations committed to continue taking initiatives for cutting cost of food production, and strive for research in produce processing technologies and post-harvest management including storage to reduce food loss and waste.