Farmers Play a Crucial Role in Protecting Agricultural Biodiversity, Says Dr. P.K. Mishra

New Delhi, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s principal secretary, Dr. P.K. Mishra, highlighted the vital role of farmers in safeguarding India’s agricultural biodiversity during a recent event in New Delhi. He called for recognizing farmers as both protectors and innovators, urging the integration of their traditional knowledge with scientific research, seed systems, and market opportunities.

Speaking at the establishment day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority and the Plant Genome Savior Award ceremony, Dr. Mishra noted that this occasion marks the 25th anniversary of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001.

He emphasized the significance of India’s rich agricultural biodiversity in developing crops resilient to climate change, water scarcity, pests, and diseases. This biodiversity also preserves traditional knowledge, food cultures, and the livelihoods of communities. Dr. Mishra referenced India’s 22 agricultural biodiversity hotspots and cited Koraput in Odisha as an exemplary model recognized by the FAO as a globally significant agricultural heritage system in 2012.

Dr. Mishra discussed India’s unique framework for farmers’ rights, explaining that the act balances the rights of plant breeders with the recognition of farmers as custodians, producers, and developers of plant varieties. Nearly half of the varieties registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority have been developed by farmers. He underscored the importance of benefit-sharing provisions and the role of the national gene bank in ensuring communities conserving genetic resources receive fair benefits.

He also highlighted India’s scientific capabilities, mentioning that the National Gene Bank at ICAR-NBPGR is the second largest in the world. Under the national agricultural research system, approximately 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed. Dr. Mishra pointed out the potential of geographical indicators to create economic opportunities for specific agricultural products.

He acknowledged India’s contributions to international efforts related to farmers’ rights, including participation in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the recent global symposium on farmers’ rights held in 2023. He also referenced the Indore Declaration adopted by BRICS agriculture ministers, which aims to establish a global platform for farmers’ rights in seed systems.

Dr. Mishra stressed the need to empower farmers beyond mere recognition. He advocated for strengthening community seed banks and field gene banks, linking traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, and connecting farmer-developed varieties to quality seed systems, producer organizations, and broader markets. He called for promoting farmer entrepreneurship and ensuring fair and transparent profit-sharing to transform conservation efforts into sustainable economic opportunities.

He concluded by stating that farmers should be viewed not just as partners in India’s agricultural transformation but also as contributors and beneficiaries. Emphasizing the need for continuous economic benefits for farmers who preserve traditional varieties, he remarked that while an award may honor a farmer once, a seed supply chain, market access, and a fair share of profits can support them every season.

Dr. Mishra extended his congratulations to the authority and all award winners for their contributions.