CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) recently convened its 20th session (CGRFA-20) in Rome, bringing together representatives from various countries to discuss policies and strategies concerning genetic resources for food and agriculture.
About Commission On Genetic Resources For Food And Agriculture
The CGRFA was established in 1983 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to address critical concerns related to plant genetic resources (PGR). Over the years, its mandate expanded beyond plant genetics to encompass all sectors of genetic resources for food and agriculture (GRFA), making it the primary international forum for governments to engage in discussions, negotiations, and decision-making regarding the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of genetic resources.
Commission Now Covers Five Key Sectors
Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) – Essential for crop diversity and food security.
Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) – Focused on the preservation of livestock breeds and their genetic diversity.
Forest Genetic Resources (FGR) – Critical for biodiversity and sustainable forestry management.
Aquatic Genetic Resources (AqGR) – Vital for fisheries and aquaculture development.
Microbial and Invertebrate Genetic Resources – Plays a role in soil health, crop protection, and sustainable ecosystems.
Key Functions Of Commission
The CGRFA engages in several cross-cutting issues that impact global food security, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural sustainability. These include:
Food Security and Nutrition – Ensuring a stable food supply by promoting genetic diversity in agriculture.
Human Health – Recognizing the role of diverse genetic resources in nutrition and disease prevention.
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation – Addressing the impact of climate variability on genetic resources.
Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) – Promoting fair distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources.
Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on GRFA – Exploring the implications of biotechnology and digital innovations in genetic resource conservation.
Membership And Global Participation
The Commission consists of 179 member countries, making it one of the most inclusive global forums dedicated to genetic resource management. India is an active participant in the Commission’s initiatives and policies, working alongside other nations to ensure the sustainable management of agricultural biodiversity.
Major Achievements Of CGRFA
Over the years, the Commission has played a pivotal role in shaping global policies and frameworks related to genetic resources. Some of its most significant contributions include:
The First-Ever Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR)
Initiated in 1997, this effort led to the publication of a comprehensive global report on animal genetic resources in 2007.
The findings from the report paved the way for the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (GPA), which was adopted the same year.
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
Adopted on November 3, 2001, during the 31st Session of the FAO Conference, this treaty promotes the preservation and fair distribution of plant genetic resources worldwide.
The treaty acknowledges the critical role of farmers in maintaining crop diversity and ensures their continued access to genetic materials.
It facilitates international cooperation among farmers, plant breeders, and scientists to share plant genetic materials, ensuring their sustainable use and conservation.
A benefit-sharing mechanism ensures that countries and communities where these genetic resources originate receive a fair share of the benefits derived from their use.
Future Outlook And Challenges
The CGRFA continues to evolve as new challenges emerge in the field of genetic resource conservation and agricultural sustainability. Some key areas of future focus include:
Enhancing genetic resource conservation to withstand climate change impacts.
Strengthening global regulatory frameworks for access and benefit-sharing mechanisms.
Advancing biotechnological applications for sustainable agriculture.
Increasing international cooperation in preserving genetic diversity for future generations.
By bringing together nations, researchers, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture remains a crucial platform for shaping policies that ensure the sustainability of global food systems and the long-term conservation of biodiversity.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT 2023, NEET 2023, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main 2023 application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
