President First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights

New Delhi, Sept 12: The First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights was inaugurated today by the President Droupadi Murmu. The event aims to shed light on the crucial role of farmers in preserving crop diversity and the conservation of plant species.

President Murmu emphasized the vital role that farmers play as the foremost conservers of global crop diversity. She stressed that farmers are endowed with exceptional power and responsibility, which they have undertaken with great dedication. The President called upon everyone to appreciate the farmers' tireless efforts in safeguarding and reviving various plant varieties and species, underscoring their significance for all of humanity.

Organized by the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (International Treaty) under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, the Symposium is being hosted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in collaboration with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).

President Murmu highlighted India's remarkable biodiversity, despite comprising only 2.4 percent of the world's land area, with 7-8 percent of all recorded plant and animal species. She underscored India's pivotal position in terms of biodiversity, emphasizing its global significance. The President praised the dedicated efforts of Indian farmers in conserving local plant varieties, domesticating wild plants, and nurturing traditional varieties, which have provided essential foundations for crop breeding programs, ensuring food and nutritional security for both humans and animals.

The First Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights is set to serve as a platform for experts and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and chart a course for preserving farmers' rights and agricultural diversity on a global scale. The event is expected to yield valuable insights into the intersection of agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food security, with the hope of fostering a brighter future for farmers and the planet.