Why in news?
Farmers’ groups and civil society organisations in India have urged the government to oppose proposals to expand the multilateral system of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). They argue that the expansion could dilute national sovereignty over seeds and threaten farmers’ rights.
Background
The ITPGRFA was adopted in 2001 under the Food and Agriculture Organization to promote conservation and sharing of plant genetic resources critical for food and agriculture. Through a multilateral system, countries voluntarily place specified crops into a common pool. Breeders and researchers can access seeds from this pool for developing improved varieties, with benefits shared back in the form of payments and technology.
Currently, the system covers 64 food and forage crops, including staples like rice, wheat and maize. India joined the treaty in 2002 and has placed several crops into the common pool, while protecting others through national laws such as the Biological Diversity Act and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act.
Proposed expansion and concerns
- Covering all crops: Some treaty members propose extending the multilateral system to all plant genetic resources, except a few on a negative list. Critics say this would open virtually all Indian seeds to global companies without adequate safeguards.
- Digital sequence information (DSI): Advances in genomics enable researchers to use digital DNA sequences instead of physical seeds. Activists warn that including DSI without clear benefit‑sharing rules could facilitate “digital biopiracy,” where companies utilise genetic data without compensating source countries or farmers.
- Confidentiality clauses: Draft proposals include clauses that allow private entities to keep information about accessed genetic material confidential, which could reduce transparency.
- Conflict with national laws: Indian groups note that opening all plant genetic resources may contravene the Biological Diversity Act and farmers’ rights legislation, which require prior consent and benefit sharing.
Implications for India
- Seed sovereignty: India is a mega‑diverse country with rich genetic diversity in rice, millets, pulses and vegetables. Unrestricted access could erode control over this heritage.
- Farmers’ rights: Indian law recognises farmers as breeders who can save and exchange seeds. Broadening the multilateral system without strong safeguards may allow corporations to patent traits derived from Indian germplasm, undermining local breeders.
- Global cooperation vs. national interest: While sharing genetic resources helps global food security, many argue that expansion should be balanced with protections for indigenous communities and national interests.
Conclusion
The debate over expanding the ITPGRFA highlights the tension between global collaboration for crop improvement and the protection of national resources. India’s final stance will need to ensure that international obligations complement domestic laws and respect farmers’ rights.
Source: Down To Earth
