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.

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 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.