GENEVA, June 22 — India has outlined its efforts to build climate-resilient food systems and strengthen food security while addressing the impacts of climate change at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
During his intervention, Arvind Kumar of the India Water Foundation stressed that transforming food systems is essential to protecting fundamental human rights, including the rights to food, health, a clean environment, and a life of dignity.
Kumar said India recognizes the strong link between climate change and food insecurity and has implemented a range of measures to address the challenge.
He noted that India has developed more than 1,900 climate-resilient crop varieties, including a rice variety that uses 25 percent less water.
The country has also released 109 high-yielding biofortified crop varieties across 61 crops to improve nutrition and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in communities most vulnerable to climate-related risks.
Highlighting recent policy initiatives, Kumar said the Indian Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming in 2024. The centrally sponsored program, with an outlay of approximately $290 million, aims to promote ecosystem-based agricultural practices and support around 10 million farmers across the country.
He also outlined the work of the India Water Foundation in advancing sustainable and resilient food systems through policy advocacy, research, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.
According to Kumar, the organization collaborates with farmers, researchers, civil society groups, and policymakers to strengthen food security, improve resilience to climate change, and enhance the well-being of vulnerable communities.
The intervention underscored India’s commitment to integrating climate action with food security and human rights objectives while promoting sustainable agricultural practices to address global challenges.
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