News Highlight
India will host the 9th Session of the Governing Body of the ‘International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture’ (ITPGRFA) in New Delhi.
Key Takeaway
- Eminent scientists and resource persons will participate from many countries across the globe.
- Participating countries deliberate upon the pivotal issues related to the development, conservation and protection of Plant Genetic Resources for the benefit of the farming community.
- The Member Countries are expected to reach an agreement on germplasm benefit-sharing, which will improve access to higher-quality seeds.
International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture’ (ITPGRFA)
- The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources is a legally binding instrument adopted in 2001 during the Thirty-first Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and it entered into force on 29 June 2004.
- 145 Countries were signatories of ITPGRFA including India.
Objectives
- To conserve and sustainably use all plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, as well as to share the benefits arising from their use in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity, for sustainable agriculture and food security.
- It contributes to the development of climate resilient varieties as well as a roadmap for the exchange of scientific information on plant genetic resources in order to increase crop production and productivity.
- The Treaty recognizes the significant contribution of farmers to the diversity of crops that feed the world and seeks to protect traditional knowledge and increase participation in decision-making processes.
- The ITPGRFA will provide a common platform for all participating countries to discuss critical issues concerning the development, conservation, and protection of Plant Genetic Resources for the benefit of the farming community.
- The sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for food and agriculture may include promoting plant breeding efforts which, with the participation of farmers, strengthen the capacity to develop varieties particularly adapted to social, economic and ecological conditions as a way to promote sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
What are Plant Genetic Resources and its importance?
- Plant Genetic Resources are any plant materials, such as seeds, fruits, cuttings, pollen, and other organs and tissues from which plants can be grown.
- Plant genetic resources underpin the ability of crop production to cope with changes, whether environmental or socio-economic.
- They are an integral component of agricultural biodiversity, as they are crucial for sustainable production intensification and ensuring the livelihoods of farmers.
- The scientific exchange of technological advancement among the countries will help mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and food security globally.
- Components – nitrogen, phosphate, pesticides, water increase resistance to pests and pathogens and tolerance of extreme environmental conditions such as drought, heat and salt stress, and improve nutritional quality.
Wayforward
- The conservation and sustainable use of Plant Genetic Resources for food and agriculture are key to ensuring that the world will produce enough food to feed its growing population in the future.
- Biodiversity in food & agriculture needs to be conserved to protect the rights of the farmers.
- No country is self-sufficient in plant genetic resources; all depend on genetic diversity in crops from other countries and regions.
- International cooperation and facilitated exchange of Genetic Resources and associated information is therefore essential for food security.
Pic Courtesy: freepik
Content Source: The Hindu