Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on the rights of peasants at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council, (9 September-11 October 2024) delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, 19 September 2024
Mr. Vice President,
- We thank the Working Group for their report and take note of the recommendations therein.
- Agriculture and allied sectors are vital to India's economy, contributing almost 55% of the workforce. Under several progressive laws and policies, the Government of India has established mechanisms for the protection of rights of farmers; ensuring a humane, participative, informed and transparent process for land acquisition; and ensuring access to the genetic resources based on benefit sharing, protection of traditional knowledge and prior informed consent.
- Schemes such as “Digital Agriculture” aim to improve the existing National e- Governance Plan in Agriculture by developing a digital public infrastructure for agriculture, built as an open source, open standard and interoperable public good to enable inclusive, farmer-centric solutions.
- It is also worth mentioning that on India’s initiative, UN General Assembly declared 2023, as the year of millets, which has been one of the primary food sources for human civilization.
Mr. Vice President,
- Government of India is committed to the protection of farmers’ rights through the development of agriculture and related sectors in a sustainable manner.
Thank you.
