Context:
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Scientists and civil society groups have raised strong objections to a “compromise proposal” discussed at the 11th Governing Body meeting (GB11) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) held in Lima, Peru.
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They have urged India to reject the proposal, arguing it undermines the interests of the Global South, particularly farmers and biodiversity-rich countries.
Key Highlights:
About the Contested Proposal
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The proposal seeks to enhance the Multilateral System (MLS) on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) under the Plant Treaty.
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It includes a revised Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA), governing access to plant genetic resources.
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Crucially, payment rates and benefit-sharing obligations are deferred to GB12, rather than being made mandatory now.
Concerns Raised by Scientists
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Scientists argue the proposal favours large agri-businesses and technology corporations, enabling:
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Unhindered access to genetic resources from biodiversity-rich countries
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Weak or delayed benefit-sharing, especially monetary benefits
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Developing countries’ long-standing demand for mandatory payment schedules has been postponed, maintaining the status quo tilted towards the Global North.
Impact on Seed Sovereignty and Farmers
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Critics warn that multinational enterprises could monopolise the seed sector, threatening:
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Farmers’ rights
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Seed sovereignty
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Traditional knowledge systems
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Control over plant genetic resources may shift further away from local communities and public institutions.
Process and Governance Issues
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An Ad Hoc Expert Group may be set up to define the scope of MLS expansion until GB12, raising concerns of dilution of developing-country bargaining power.
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The group Scientists for Genetic Diversity expressed disappointment over the Indian delegation’s silence at GB11, despite India being a major stakeholder as an agro-biodiversity-rich country.
International Political Economy Angle
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The proposal reflects broader North–South asymmetries in global environmental governance, where:
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Access is immediate and liberal
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Benefit-sharing is delayed, voluntary, or uncertain
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Treaty: International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
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Forum: Governing Body (GB11) held in Lima, Peru.
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Key Mechanisms:
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Multilateral System (MLS)
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Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA)
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Issue: Equity in access and benefit-sharing of plant genetic resources.
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Stakeholders: Developing countries, farmers, agri-businesses, Global South.
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Impact: Food security, biodiversity conservation, farmers’ rights.
Relevant Mains Points:
Environment & Ecology (GS III):
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Importance of plant genetic diversity for food security and climate resilience.
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Risks of biopiracy and corporate control over genetic resources.
International Relations (GS II):
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North–South divide in global environmental treaties.
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Need for India to assert leadership for equitable global commons governance.
Economy & Agriculture (GS III):
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Impact of seed monopolies on small farmers and agri-economies.
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Balance between innovation, intellectual property, and public interest.
Conceptual Clarity:
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Multilateral System (MLS): Facilitates shared access to plant genetic resources with benefit-sharing.
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SMTA: Legal contract defining rights and obligations of users of genetic resources.
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Global South: Regions rich in biodiversity but with weaker negotiating power.
Way Forward:
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India should insist on mandatory and upfront benefit-sharing mechanisms.
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Protect farmers’ rights and public seed systems.
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Build coalitions with other developing countries to rebalance negotiations.
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Ensure that global plant treaties align with food sovereignty and ecological justice.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS II: International Relations, global governance, treaty negotiations
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GS III: Environment & Ecology, agriculture, biodiversity, food security
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Prelims: ITPGRFA, MLS, SMTA, Global South