President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the inaugural Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi on September 12, 2023. During her address, the President emphasized the vital role of farmers as custodians of crop diversity and protectors of plant and species varieties crucial for all. She underscored the importance of recognizing and appreciating farmers’ efforts in preserving and revitalizing various plants and species.
This symposium is 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. It is 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), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), and ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR).
President Murmu highlighted India’s rich biodiversity, accounting for a significant share of the world’s recorded plant and animal species despite its relatively small land area. She stressed that this biodiversity has been invaluable to the global community, with Indian farmers playing a crucial role in conserving local plant varieties and traditional crops that have contributed to food and nutritional security.
The President also praised India’s progress in agricultural research and technology, which has significantly increased food grain, horticulture, fisheries, milk, and egg production since 1950-51, positively impacting national food and nutrition security. She credited farmers, scientists, policymakers, and governmental support for driving agricultural advancements and expressed confidence in the role of technology and science in preserving heritage knowledge.