Global Symposium on Farmers' Rights

The Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights, a significant event in the world of agriculture, was recently inaugurated by the President of India in New Delhi. This inaugural edition marked a crucial milestone in the global agricultural community.

Contents

Significance of the Event

This symposium holds immense importance as it is the first of its kind. It aims to address critical issues related to farmers’ rights and their essential role in global food security and agriculture.

The Organizers

Secretariat of the International Treaty

The symposium is organized by the Secretariat of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which is closely associated with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This partnership underscores the global importance of the event.

Hosted by Indian Authorities

The symposium is hosted by several Indian authorities, highlighting the nation’s commitment to farmers’ rights and agricultural progress. The key organizers include:

Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Authority
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

ICAR Branches

Under the umbrella of ICAR, two prominent institutions play a vital role in this event:

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)

Attendance

The symposium boasts a diverse participation of 59 countries, reflecting the global significance of farmers’ rights and the need for international collaboration.

Event Timeline

Proposal and Origin

The proposal for this remarkable event originated from the Government of India, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to addressing farmers’ rights on a global scale. It was officially endorsed during the Ninth Session of the Governing Body (GB9) associated with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

Date and Decision Body

The symposium took place in September 2022, with the decision to host it being made by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasizing its international importance.

India’s Achievements

India’s role in promoting farmers’ rights stands out in several aspects:

First in Farmers’ Rights Context

India holds the distinction of being the first country to address farmers’ rights comprehensively, particularly in the context of:

Plant Variety Registration

Implemented through PPVFR Act, 2001

These achievements are made possible through the implementation of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001, which sets the legal framework for protecting plant varieties and ensuring farmers’ rights in India.

Conclusion

The Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights, with its inaugural edition in New Delhi, brings together countries from around the world to discuss and promote farmers’ rights. This event highlights India’s pioneering efforts in safeguarding these rights and underscores the global importance of addressing this critical aspect of agriculture for the benefit of farmers and global food security.