3-day G-20 meeting on agriculture kicks off in Hyderabad

The 3-day meeting of the Agriculture Ministers under the Agriculture Working Group (AWG) of the G-20 began today in Hyderabad.

More than 200 delegates from member countries, invited countries and international organizations are participating in the meeting. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in a press conference said that agriculture priority sectors are being discussed in the meeting.

Tomar said that India has full commitment towards food security and nutrition and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi policies have been made accordingly and their successful implementation is also being ensured.

The minister said that the priority areas of the Agriculture Working Group are: First, good security and nutrition with a focus on improving social protection systems to promote agro-diversification and enhance food security.

Second, sustainable agriculture and financing green and climate resilient agriculture with a climate smart approach focused on climate resilient technologies and farming system models for sustainable agricultural production.

Third, strengthening infrastructure for small and marginal farmers, women and youth, sharing technology and  investment and through increasing economic opportunities inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems to enhance the resilience and efficiency of value chains

Fourth, digitalization for agricultural transformation with emphasis on standardized agricultural data platforms as digital public goods and leveraging new-emerging digital technologies to transform the agri-food sector. These are being discussed in different sessions of the meeting.

Tomar said that India is very prosperous and powerful in the agriculture sector and shares its knowledge and experience in the global interest of the agriculture sector, for which we will be ready in the future as well. He said that in the last nine years, many new dimensions have been established in the agriculture sector in the country, through which the welfare of medium to small farmers is the main objective.

In view of climate change and environment, decisions have been taken in the interest of the agriculture sector. In this direction, on the initiative of India, the International Year of Millets (Shri Anna) declared by the United Nations is being celebrated in the country and the world. Along with this, India is also bringing awareness among farmers regarding crop diversification. Climate-suitable varieties have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

India is ready for the progress of farmers and agriculture sector through the promotion of organic and natural farming and sustainable agriculture system. Groups such as the G-20 have great utility, including building a common strategy to address agricultural challenges.

He expressed confidence that the discussions in the meeting will be in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’, with the participation of ministers from various countries, showcasing the transformative power of collective action.