International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty):

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (Plant Treaty):

What is the Plant Treaty?

  • 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

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 SMTAnot 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.
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