Scientists Warn Centre Against ‘Compromise Proposal’ at ITPGRFA-GB11

The Scientists for Genetic Diversity, a collective of scientists, has written to the Union Agriculture Minister, the Union Environment Minister, and the Director General of ICAR expressing strong concerns over the “compromise proposal” discussed at the 11th Session of the Governing Body (GB11) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

Key Highlights

• Scientists Flag Threat to Seed Sovereignty
  The group warned that the proposal on enhancing the functioning of the Multilateral System (MLS) could allow multinational enterprises to consolidate monopolies over the seed sector and gain unrestricted control over the genetic resources of the Global South, including India.
• Civil Society Opposition
  Indian civil society organisations had previously cautioned the government against signing any agreement that might compromise India’s sovereign control over seeds.
• GB11 Outcome
  The ITPGRFA-GB11 session, held in Lima, Peru, concluded with the chair postponing:
  • the decision on expanding the list of crops under the Multilateral System, and
  • the revised Plant Material Transfer Agreement,
    deferring both to the next meeting.
• Current MLS Scope
  The MLS presently covers 64 crops and forages crucial for global food security.
  India has notified nine crops with 26,563 accessions for the MLS.
• India’s Status Under the Treaty
  • India is a Contracting Party to the ITPGRFA.
  • Notably, India has been one of the top beneficiaries of the treaty while contributing relatively fewer germplasm resources.

About the ITPGRFA

• A legally binding global treaty, adopted in 2001 in Rome by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Entered into force in 2004.
• As of 1 November 2025, the treaty has 155 Contracting Parties, including one member organisation (EU).

Objectives of the Treaty

• Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA)
• Sustainable Use of these resources
• Fair & Equitable Benefit Sharing arising from their utilisation

The treaty’s Multilateral System (MLS) facilitates access to designated crops for research and breeding while ensuring benefit sharing among member countries.

What is an Accession?

As per FAO, an accession is a distinct, uniquely identifiable sample of seeds representing a cultivar, breeding line, or population, stored for conservation and future use.

Sources: TH, FAO & PIB