GEN

Calls upon Member States and relevant UN organizations to make greater efforts to develop and disseminate appropriate sustainable agricultural technologies, particularly in and with developing countries, under fair, transparent and mutually agreed terms, and to support national efforts to foster utilization of local know-how and agricultural technologies, promote agricultural technology research and enable poor rural women, men and youth to increase sustainable agricultural productivity and enhance food security; underlines the importance of supporting and advancing research in improving and diversifying crop varieties, as well as supporting the establishment of agricultural systems and sustainable management practices; also underlines the importance of the sustainable use and management of water resources to increase and ensure agricultural productivity, and calls for further efforts to strengthen the provision and proper maintenance of irrigation facilities as well as to introduce water-saving technology, considering the possible impact of climate change on water resources; requests relevant UN organizations, including the FAO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, to promote, support and facilitate the exchange of experience among Member States on ways to sustainably expand areas for agriculture and increase opportunities for agricultural development through technologies that allow soil recovery, improve soil fertility and increase agricultural production in pressing environmental circumstances; underlines the instrumental role of agricultural technology in furthering sustainable development and in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, calls therefore upon Member States and encourages relevant international bodies to support sustainable agricultural research and development, and in this regard calls for continued support to the international agricultural research system, including the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research and other relevant international organizations

Adopted 146-1-32, 66th plenary meeting

4 p.

Issued in GAOR, 64th sess., Suppl. no. 49.