On the eve of World Food Day, Singh called for more investment in family farms to channel affordable credit and sustainability especially to combat impact of climate change.

Family farming is inextricably linked to ensuring national and global food security and is the pre-dominant form of agriculture in both developed and developing countries, Singh said.

Underlining the importance of family farmers in the growth of agriculture, Singh said family farmers despite less access to productive resources efficiently manage their agriculture and record high productivity.

Family farmers have not only preserved traditional food products but have also contributed to produce a balanced diet and safeguard the world’s agro-biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources.

India has consistently supported small farm holders which have played a very dominant role in steady growth of agriculture, Singh adds.

Singh said almost 200 million hectares of gross cropped area is cultivated by small farm holders to help the country in achieving macro food security.

In order to realise the full potential of family farmers in eradicating hunger and malnutrition and ensuring food security, government of India has put in place an extensive research system involving national and state level institutions beside agriculture universities.