New Delhi, Sep 13 : President Droupadi Murmu asserted on Tuesday that India’s legislation concerning the safeguarding of plant varieties and the rights of farmers offers a compelling model for global emulation, particularly in light of the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
Speaking at the inaugural global symposium on farmers’ rights at the Pusa complex in the national capital, President Murmu highlighted India’s pioneering role in introducing the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act (PPVFR) in 2001. This act is aligned with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and serves to safeguard the interests of farmers.
The PPVFR Act grants a range of rights to farmers, including the ability to utilize, reuse, save, share, and sell unbranded seeds of registered varieties. Additionally, farmers have the option to register their own varieties, providing them with legal protection.
President Murmu emphasized, “Such an Act can serve as an excellent model worthy of emulation for the entire world.” This sentiment is underscored by the pressing challenges of climate change and the imperative to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The President stressed that climate change necessitates the conservation of traditional farmer varieties, particularly hardy crops like millets. These varieties not only exhibit natural resilience to environmental stresses but also possess nutritional qualities that could be pivotal in addressing the food and health needs of large populations.
The declaration of 2023 as the Year of Millets by the United Nations is seen as a significant step in this direction.
During the event, President Murmu inaugurated the Plant Authority Bhawan and an online portal for the registration of plant varieties. She also conferred plant genetic savior awards upon six farmer communities and 20 individual farmers.
The four-day symposium, taking place from September 12 to 15, marks the first such gathering since the adoption of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in 2001. It is expected to draw approximately 500 delegates, including farmers from India and abroad.
In her address, President Murmu underscored the significance of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, highlighting its role in conserving, utilizing, and managing plant genetic resources for food and agriculture to ensure global food security.
Highlighting India’s remarkable biodiversity, she noted that the country, with just 2.4 percent of the world’s land area, accounts for 7-8 percent of recorded plant and animal species. This rich biodiversity has been a valuable resource for the global community.
President Murmu acknowledged the pivotal role of farmers, scientists, policymakers, and government support in driving multiple agricultural revolutions in India. She stressed the importance of technology and science in safeguarding and enhancing heritage knowledge, particularly in the context of food sovereignty and security.
The President highlighted that this inaugural symposium provides a unique opportunity for the world to align its priorities and programs with the needs of humanity and to forge common commitments.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, in his remarks, affirmed the government’s dedication to upholding the provisions of the PPVFR Act and enhancing awareness about plant variety rights, particularly for traditional and indigenous crops. He stressed the importance of public awareness campaigns and capacity-building initiatives to empower farmers and breeders in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
The symposium, jointly organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the Government of India, enjoyed the presence of dignitaries such as Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja, ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak, PPVFRA Chairperson Trilochan Mohapatra, and FAO representative to India Takayuki Hagiwara.
