President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated first global symposium on farmers' rights

India's Commitment to Farmers' Rights: Inaugural Global Symposium

On September 12, 2023, President Droupadi Murmu of India took a momentous step towards recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of farmers worldwide. In a grand inauguration ceremony held in New Delhi, she officially opened the doors to the First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights.

This symposium, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, through the International Treaty Secretariat on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty), is a platform for highlighting the pivotal role farmers play in conserving crop diversity, sustaining biodiversity, and securing global food resources.

The Guardians of Crop Diversity:

President Murmu began her speech by acknowledging the farming community as the foremost conservers of crop diversity, heralding them as the true guardians of our planet's agricultural heritage.

She highlighted the exceptional power and responsibility that farmers hold in their hands, emphasizing the need for the world to recognize their tireless efforts in protecting and reviving a multitude of plant species.

Hosted by Collaborative Efforts:

The symposium was made possible through collaborative efforts, with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare taking the lead, along with partners such as 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 Biodiversity Riches:

In her address, President Murmu underscored India's unique position as a mega-diverse nation. Despite occupying only 2.4% of the world's land area, India is home to a staggering 7-8% of all known species of plants and animals. The country's biodiversity ranks among the richest globally, encompassing a breathtaking array of plants and species.

Farmers as Custodians:

The President applauded India's farmers for their relentless efforts in conserving local plant varieties, domesticating wild species, and nurturing traditional crop strains.

These actions have not only served as the building blocks for innovative crop breeding programs but have also been instrumental in ensuring food and nutritional security for both humans and animals.

Advancements in Agriculture:

President Murmu shared remarkable statistics illustrating India's agricultural progress. Since 1950-51, the country has witnessed substantial increases in the production of food grains, horticultural products, fisheries, milk, and eggs. These achievements have significantly bolstered India's food and nutrition security. She attributed this success to the unwavering support of the government, combined with the tireless efforts of agro-biodiversity conservers, dedicated farmers, visionary scientists, and policymakers.

 Key features of the Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights (GSFR) :

• It was hosted by India in New Delhi from September 12-16, 2023.

• It was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and other partners.

• It brought together over 700 delegates from 59 countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing farmers' rights.

• The symposium addressed a wide range of issues related to farmers' rights, including the conservation of crop diversity, the development of new agricultural technologies, and the impact of climate change on agriculture.

• The delegates also discussed ways to improve the livelihoods of farmers and to ensure that they have a fair share of the benefits of agricultural development.

• The symposium concluded with a call for action to promote and protect farmers' rights.

Some of the specific topics that were discussed at the GFSR include:

• The role of farmers in conserving crop diversity

• The impact of climate change on agriculture

• The development of new agricultural technologies

• The need for fair and equitable sharing of the benefits of agricultural research

• The importance of farmers' participation in decision-making processes

• The need to improve the livelihoods of farmers

The GFSR was a landmark event that brought together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the important issue of farmers' rights. The symposium is expected to have a significant impact on the future of agriculture and food security.

Key outcomes of the GFSR:

• The delegates adopted a declaration that reaffirms the importance of farmers' rights and calls for action to promote and protect them.

• The delegates also agreed on a set of recommendations for future action, including the need to:

  • Increase investment in the conservation of crop diversity

  • Develop and adopt agricultural technologies that are adapted to the needs of farmers

  • Strengthen the participation of farmers in decision-making processes

  • Improve the livelihoods of farmers

The GFSR was a significant step forward in the global effort to promote and protect farmers' rights. The outcomes of the symposium will help to guide future action on this important issue.

Conclusion,

The First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights marks a pivotal moment in recognizing the indispensable role farmers play in preserving our planet's agricultural diversity and ensuring global food security. India's commitment to this cause, with its rich biodiversity and agricultural progress, serves as an inspiring example for the world.