Major Group: Farmers
Statements made by Dr.Sarala Gopalan, (representing International Federation of
Agricultural Producers, IFAP,) on behalf of Major Groups ??Farmers?.
4th May 2006- 3PM to 6PMIndustrial
development and sustainable natural resource management. Interactive
discussions led-off by a panel of UN Agencies, funds, programmes, IGOs and Major
Groups.
Chairman,
I would like to invite your attention to the fact that industry and agriculture are complementary to
each other and are interdependent. A lot of industrial inputs into agriculture, particularly,
chemical manures and pesticides have done great harm to sustainable agriculture ? degrading
land, polluting ground water and the environment.
There was reference to the importance of knowledge as a main source of advancement. Farmers
remain isolated from a great deal of research and researchers. There is not much communication
between the farming community and the researchers to share the knowledge and problems of
farmers. There is an urgency to involve the farmers in dialogue for mutual benefit.
The products of research and technology need to be effectively transferred to farmers through
proper extension services to make farming more viable in all economies, both advanced and less
developed regions.
There was also reference to good governance as a conducive environment for development.
Farmers need incentives and support services to make use of new technologies and products of
research and insurance against losses to make the necessary changes in their practices.
Thank you.
Agricultural Producers, IFAP,) on behalf of Major Groups ??Farmers?.
4th May 2006- 3PM to 6PMIndustrial
development and sustainable natural resource management. Interactive
discussions led-off by a panel of UN Agencies, funds, programmes, IGOs and Major
Groups.
Chairman,
I would like to invite your attention to the fact that industry and agriculture are complementary to
each other and are interdependent. A lot of industrial inputs into agriculture, particularly,
chemical manures and pesticides have done great harm to sustainable agriculture ? degrading
land, polluting ground water and the environment.
There was reference to the importance of knowledge as a main source of advancement. Farmers
remain isolated from a great deal of research and researchers. There is not much communication
between the farming community and the researchers to share the knowledge and problems of
farmers. There is an urgency to involve the farmers in dialogue for mutual benefit.
The products of research and technology need to be effectively transferred to farmers through
proper extension services to make farming more viable in all economies, both advanced and less
developed regions.
There was also reference to good governance as a conducive environment for development.
Farmers need incentives and support services to make use of new technologies and products of
research and insurance against losses to make the necessary changes in their practices.
Thank you.