Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr PK Mishra today called for recognising farmers as custodians and innovators of India’s agricultural biodiversity and linking their traditional knowledge with scientific research and seed systems. He said this while addressing the 22nd Foundation Day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and the Plant Genome Saviour Award Ceremony in New Delhi. Dr Mishra said that India’s rich agricultural biodiversity is vital for developing crops resilient to climate change, water stress, pests and diseases. He noted that farmers must be recognised not merely as participants in India’s agricultural transformation but also as contributors and beneficiaries of it.
Referring to India’s scientific capabilities, the Principal Secretary noted that around three thousand climate-resilient crop varieties had been developed under the National Agricultural Research System. Calling for a shift from recognition to empowerment, Dr. Mishra emphasised strengthening community seed banks and field gene banks, connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific research. He also emphasised the role of benefit-sharing provisions and the National Gene Fund in ensuring fair returns to communities conserving genetic resources.
