Global Consultation on agricultural biodiversity for sustainable food security

Humankind since its very origin has relied upon biodiversity for its survival and more importantly, agricultural biodiversity. Agricultural biodiversity forms the foundation of sustainable agricultural growth and development as it provides the raw materials – genetic diversity – upon which agriculture depends. As genetic diversity erodes at an alarming pace, it is becoming increasingly accepted that sustainable management, use and conservation of agricultural biodiversity is central to any sustainable food production initiative for improving the livelihoods of poor smallholder farmers. 

In this context, on February 12, Bioversity International will partner with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to bring together 58 participants from 36 countries to discuss South-South collaboration to facilitate the conservation and use of plant genetic resources.

The event – Global Consultation on Use and Management of Agrobiodiversity for Sustainable Food Security – will aim to provide an opportunity to the stakeholders in the developing world to review and identify roles and directions for conservation through the exchange and use of valuable agricultural biodiversity for sustainable agricultural development. The Consultation will focus on issues related to management, exchange and use of agricultural biodiversity for sustainable development. The deliberations will lead to enhancing the capacity and capabilities of national partners through South-South cooperation and further strengthening of North-South partnership.

The Consultation is organized by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India in collaboration with Bioversity International and with support from the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid tropics (ICRISAT) and International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).

For more information please contact  Prem Mathur