In recent news, the eighth session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) took place in Rome, Italy from November 11-16, 2019. This event, held every two years, is dedicated to the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. A key participant, India, emphasized the importance of such resources and hailed its unique legislation, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, as a potent tool for tackling related issues.
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
Adopted by the 31st session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) conference on November 3, 2001, the ITPGRFA has set crucial objectives. It acknowledges farmers’ contribution to crop diversity and establishes a global system allowing farmers, plant breeders, and scientists access to plant genetic materials. Its main goal is to conserve these resources and use them sustainably for food and agriculture, promoting fair and equitable sharing of benefits from their usage. In alignment with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the treaty is also known as the Seed Treaty. As a framework for ensuring food security through conserving, exchanging, and sustainably using the world’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), India is a signatory to this agreement.
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001
This law was developed to protect farmers’ and breeders’ rights. The act asserts a farmer’s right to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share, or sell his farm produce, including seeds of a variety protected under the PPV&FR Act, barring the brand name. Aligning with Article-9 of the Seed Treaty, the Act has helped around 138 farmers/farming communities earn the Plant Genome Saviour Awards presented by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority. These honors are given annually to farmers who have contributed to conserving genetic resources of landraces (dynamic populations of a cultivated plant) and wild relatives of economic plants, including their enhancement.
Key Statistics
| Award | Recipients |
|---|---|
| Plant Genome Saviour Awards | 138 farmers/farming communities |
| FAO Conferences | 31 sessions |
| ITPGRFA Sessions | 8 sessions |
Recent Controversies
In April 2019, a controversy occurred when PepsiCo sued Gujarati farmers by invoking provisions of the PPV&FR Act. This incident highlights the importance and impact of laws related to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources in various sectors.
