Global experts will gather in Chennai for an Asia Pacific Conference for the International Year of Family Farming to emphasise the importance of diversified cropping patterns and integrated farming.
“In the atmosphere of need to shift from food to nutrition security, the International Year of Family Farming provides a unique opportunity towards achieving this at the national and global level,” said Professor M. S. Swaminathan at a press conference here, jointly addressed by FAO Representative in India Peter Kenmore and Managing Director of the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium P. Sharma. The conference will be held in Chennai from August 7 to 10.
“There are over 500 million family farms across the world, making up over 87 per cent of all farms. The United Nations looks upon this year as an opportunity to revitalise family farming traditions to take forward the overall goal of combating hunger across the world. The conference aims to bring together global experts to consult on ways and means to achieve the Zero Hunger Challenge by 2025,” said Mr. Kenmore
The regional consultation has been organised by the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in partnership with FAO. Experts will deliberate on themes ranging from the economic, ecological and social sustainability of family farms, gender relations and enhancing profitability to nutritional dimension of family farms. Technology, skill and information needs of the Family farms will also be discussed to ensure enhanced livelihoods and assured income for small farm holders in the region. The deliberations will lead to the adoption of the “Chennai Declaration.”
