International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty)
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: TH
Context: India has raised objections to proposed amendments to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty) at the Peru.
About International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty):
• What is the Plant Treaty? A legally binding global agreement adopted by the FAO in 2001, entered into force in 2004. India is a signatory to the treaty. Linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and FAO’s Global Plan of Action.
• A legally binding global agreement adopted by the FAO in 2001, entered into force in 2004.
• India is a signatory to the treaty.
• Linked to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and FAO’s Global Plan of Action.
• Objectives: Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the use of these resources. Ensure food security and protect agrobiodiversity
• Conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
• Fair and equitable benefit-sharing from the use of these resources.
• Ensure food security and protect agrobiodiversity
• Key Features of the Treaty: Multilateral System (MLS): Covers 64 food and forage crops listed in Annex I (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, pulses). Facilitates access to plant genetic materials among member countries. Ensures benefit-sharing through technology transfer, capacity building, and commercial revenue. Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA): Legal framework for accessing and exchanging plant genetic materials. Farmers’ Rights (Article 9): Right to save, exchange, and sell seeds. Recognition of indigenous knowledge and community contributions. Inclusion in decision-making processes. Global Information System (Article 17): Promotes data sharing on plant genetic resources. What is the New Proposal? The amendments propose expanding mandatory obligations under the Multilateral System (Annex I). All plant germplasm would have to be shared under Governing Body-determined SMTA, not India’s national laws. Could dilute India’s sovereign rights and control over indigenous plant varieties. Might undermine traditional farming practices and seed-saving traditions of smallholders.
• Multilateral System (MLS): Covers 64 food and forage crops listed in Annex I (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, pulses). Facilitates access to plant genetic materials among member countries. Ensures benefit-sharing through technology transfer, capacity building, and commercial revenue.
• Covers 64 food and forage crops listed in Annex I (e.g., rice, wheat, maize, pulses).
• Facilitates access to plant genetic materials among member countries.
• Ensures benefit-sharing through technology transfer, capacity building, and commercial revenue.
• Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA): Legal framework for accessing and exchanging plant genetic materials.
• Legal framework for accessing and exchanging plant genetic materials.
• Farmers’ Rights (Article 9): Right to save, exchange, and sell seeds. Recognition of indigenous knowledge and community contributions. Inclusion in decision-making processes.
• Right to save, exchange, and sell seeds.
• Recognition of indigenous knowledge and community contributions.
• Inclusion in decision-making processes.
• Global Information System (Article 17): Promotes data sharing on plant genetic resources.
• Promotes data sharing on plant genetic resources.
• What is the New Proposal? The amendments propose expanding mandatory obligations under the Multilateral System (Annex I). All plant germplasm would have to be shared under Governing Body-determined SMTA, not India’s national laws. Could dilute India’s sovereign rights and control over indigenous plant varieties. Might undermine traditional farming practices and seed-saving traditions of smallholders.
• The amendments propose expanding mandatory obligations under the Multilateral System (Annex I).
• All plant germplasm would have to be shared under Governing Body-determined SMTA, not India’s national laws.
• Could dilute India’s sovereign rights and control over indigenous plant varieties.
• Might undermine traditional farming practices and seed-saving traditions of smallholders.