Negotiations on Genetic Resources
India’s Stand on Farmers’ Rights and Genetic Resources at Lima Meet: A group of Indian scientists has urged the government to defend India’s sovereign rights and farmers’ interests at the upcoming 11th Session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in Lima, Peru, from November 24–29, 2025. They have cautioned against policy changes that could weaken India’s control over its genetic wealth and undermine farmers’ rights protected under national laws.
Static GK fact: The ITPGRFA, adopted in 2001 under the FAO, aims to ensure the conservation and equitable sharing of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
Concerns Over Proposed Treaty Amendments
Scientists have opposed proposed amendments to the benefit-sharing mechanism within the treaty. These changes may grant unrestricted international access to India’s seed collections without ensuring fair compensation. Experts warn that such provisions could erode national control and harm farmers who have preserved agricultural diversity for generations.
Static GK fact: India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001 provides farmers with legal rights over the varieties they conserve and cultivate.
India’s Agricultural Biodiversity
India is home to one of the richest gene pools in the world, encompassing millions of seed samples vital for global food security. Over seven million genetic accessions have already been shared globally under the existing treaty system. However, the returns to India have been minimal, with most benefits accruing to multinational seed and biotech corporations.
Static GK Tip: India’s National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi is responsible for conserving and documenting plant genetic materials.
Push for a Mandatory Benefit-Sharing System
Prominent scientists such as Dinesh Abrol, Sarath Babu Balijepalli, and Suman Sahai have demanded the introduction of a mandatory subscription model linked to the commercial turnover of companies using these genetic materials. They argue that this would guarantee fair monetary returns to source nations and farming communities.
Unrestricted access to genetic resources beyond the current 64-crop list under the ITPGRFA could violate India’s Biodiversity Act (2002) and reduce domestic regulatory power.
India’s Diplomatic Responsibility
The scientists have urged India to take a leadership role among developing nations and the Global South in safeguarding biological assets. They recommend that India advocate for a legally binding framework to ensure equitable benefit sharing, protecting the economic interests of farmers and ensuring sovereign control over its genetic resources.
Static GK fact: India ratified the ITPGRFA in 2002 and is among the 149 contracting parties committed to biodiversity conservation.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Stand on Farmers’ Rights and Genetic Resources at Lima Meet:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | 11th Session of ITPGRFA Governing Body |
| Venue | Lima, Peru |
| Date | November 24–29, 2025 |
| Key Focus | Protecting India’s rights over plant genetic resources |
| Key Scientists | Dinesh Abrol, Sarath Babu Balijepalli, Suman Sahai |
| Major Concern | Unrestricted international access to India’s seed collections |
| Proposed Reform | Mandatory benefit-sharing subscription model |
| Indian Law Involved | Biodiversity Act (2002) and PPV&FR Act (2001) |
| Responsible Indian Body | National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) |
| Global Treaty | International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) |
