President Launches First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights

Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights

Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights: In a momentous event on September 12, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu of India inaugurated the inaugural Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights held in New Delhi. Her address emphasized the vital role of farmers as primary custodians of crop diversity and highlighted the significance of their endeavors in preserving and revitalizing essential plant varieties and species.

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Farmers: The Guardians of Crop Diversity

President Murmu eloquently recognized the global farming community as the foremost custodians of crop diversity, endowing them with unique powers and responsibilities. She stressed the imperative for all to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of farmers in safeguarding and rejuvenating diverse plant varieties and species critical for the well-being of humanity.

A Collaborative Symposium

The First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights is orchestrated by the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty), an arm of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based in Rome. This event is jointly hosted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).

India’s Remarkable Biodiversity

President Murmu underscored India’s exceptional biodiversity, despite occupying just 2.4 percent of the world’s land area, as it accounts for 7-8 percent of all recorded plant and animal species. India proudly stands among nations with the widest range of plant and species diversity. She emphasized that this abundant agro-biodiversity has been a global treasure, preserved and nurtured by Indian farmers who have fostered traditional plant varieties. These efforts have significantly contributed to crop breeding programs and ensured food and nutritional security.

Impact of Agricultural Advancements

The President acknowledged the profound impact of agricultural research and technological progress in India since 1950-51. These advancements have led to substantial increases in food grain production, horticulture, fisheries, milk, and egg production, thereby making a substantial contribution to national food and nutrition security. She expressed gratitude to agro-biodiversity conservers, diligent farmers, scientists, policymakers, and governmental support for driving multiple agricultural revolutions in the nation.

The Role of Technology and Science: First Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights

President Murmu expressed her conviction that technology and science can effectively safeguard and enhance heritage knowledge, empowering farmers and strengthening the conservation and utilization of agro-biodiversity. These advancements hold the promise of benefiting not only India but also the global community.

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