CSD-IPM March 3, 2011
Statement by Farmers Major Group made by Dr. Sarala Gopalan
Interlinkages
Mister Chairman,
Across all the themes there is a common interlinkage of life cycle
management. We encourage national, regional, and multi-lateral bodies to
foster techniques in sustainable SYSTEM management. For farmers, this
includes integrated water, crop and pest management and best
practices in livestock production that support an eco-system approach.
Related to this is the specific issue of post-harvest losses which are
estimated at 40% in some countries. This figure must be reduced through
better storage, transportation, and processing. As well, reducing food waste
at an institutional and consumer level is in the power of everyone. This item
links several themes including transportation, waste management, and
sustainable production and consumption.
Mr. Chairman, the importance of scientific information, training, and
extension services to further adoption of these sustainable system
techniques cannot be overstated.
Globally, the issues of water supply, conservation and quality cross cuts all
themes and industries and has only obliquely been mentioned in this IPM.
We are pleased to note that the role of women has been emphasized in
the Resource Document and believe this needs to be fleshed out. The
farmers? major group remains concerned about the mechanisms to improve
the lives, livelihoods, and sustainable output of smallholder farmers, the
majority of whom are women.
Farmers want to be partners for sustainable development. Our goal is
to foster methods that encompass environmental sustainability, animal
welfare, and food security.
