In a thought-provoking address at the “Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights,” President Droupadi Murmu underscored the invaluable contributions of farmers to society, emphasizing their role as true engineers and scientists who have harnessed nature’s resources for the benefit of humanity.
President Murmu expressed her conviction that farmers, who have played a pivotal role in human civilization since time immemorial, are the unsung heroes responsible for unlocking the potential of nature’s energies and resources. Their efforts have resulted in a wide array of crops that serve as the foundation for human sustenance and progress.
Farmers, according to President Murmu, are not only cultivators but also the guardians of crop diversity. While acknowledging the loss of several plant species over time, she commended farmers for their relentless efforts to protect and rejuvenate various plant and species varieties, which are essential for the well-being of all.
India’s rich agro-biodiversity, in particular, has been a global asset, thanks to the endeavors of its farmers. They have preserved local plant varieties, tamed wild plants, and nurtured traditional strains that have formed the bedrock of various crop breeding programs worldwide.
President Murmu also shed light on India’s farmer-friendly policies, emphasizing the range of rights provided to them. These encompass the use, reuse, saving, sharing, and selling of unbranded seeds from registered varieties. Furthermore, Indian farmers have the option to register their own varieties, ensuring protection for their innovations. This legal framework stands as a model that can be emulated globally.
The symposium served as a platform to celebrate farmers and their rights while acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the world’s agricultural landscape. President Droupadi Murmu’s address resonated with the global community, emphasizing the need to recognize and honor the tireless efforts of farmers as stewards of crop diversity and champions of sustainable agriculture. Her words encapsulated the spirit of appreciation and support for the world’s agricultural workforce.
