Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Jose Manuel Hernandez on Tuesday underlined the role of the Peruvian germplasm bank —created by the current administration— in preserving the genetic material of over 200 ancient seeds.
"Germplasm banks preserve more than 200 species —seeds and plants— that are useful for agricultural development," he stressed.
Hernandez added the Ministry uses the bank for germplasm research to develop better seed preservation and protection technical mechanisms.
In addition, the Agriculture portfolio head emphasized the scientific center's role in protecting native Peruvian seeds like maca or cat's claw from being patented by other markets.
"We also seek to guarantee native communities' material and intellectual property [rights], as well as strengthen indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge system, technologies, innovations and cultural systems related to the conservation and sustainable use of native agricultural biodiversity."
Water harvesting
On a different note, Hernandez shared the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry's
water harvesting efforts to improve its availability in High-Andean areas under intense water stress.
Minister Hernandez is currently in Rome to attend FAO's Conference on climate change, agriculture and food security, running thru July 8.
The biennial international event convenes over 600 high-level government officials and representatives from 194 countries.
(END) CNA/CNA/DHT/MVB