Islamabad, Pakistan
January 2, 2013

The participants of the civil society organisations and small farmers, demanded the incumbent National Assembly had a very limited time to consider the proposed PBR Bill 2010 and if passed in haste it would have drastic implications for the small farmers and the agriculture sector.

The policy seminar was aimed at addressing the conflict emerging between farmers’ community, civil society and seed producing companies after introduction of the PBR bill in the parliament.

The moot ‘PBR Bill 2010’ was held under the aegis of Centre for Culture and Development (C2D), Sustainable Agriculture Action Group (SAAG), Pothohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA) and Lok Saanjh Foundation in collaboration with the Actionaid Pakistan.

Sameena Nazir Executive Director PODA appreciated the consortia of organisers for holding the consultation.

She said agriculture was impossible without the contribution of women farmers. However, the proposed legislation does not refer to the concerns and requirements of the female farmers.

Dr Nadeem Omar Tarar Director NCA Rawalpindi said passing the Bill without ensuring bio-safety guidelines and farmer’s rights would be disastrous for the small farmer’s community in particular and the agriculture sector in general.

He said all traditional knowledge and genetic resources were required to be properly documented and exclusive rights of the people should be conceded over indigenous knowledge.

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Published: January 2, 2013