Reconstitution of Agricultural Biodiversity Committee

Summary of National Biodiversity Authority's Reconstitution of Agricultural Biodiversity Expert Committee

Context: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has reconstituted the Agricultural Biodiversity Expert Committee under Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Key Appointments:

• Chairperson: Padma Shri Dr. P.L. Gautam, an eminent agricultural scientist and former chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFR).
• Co-Chairperson: The chairperson of PPVFR will serve as the co-chair.

Committee's Objectives:

• The committee is tasked with providing expert guidance on the conservation, sustainable use, and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) of agricultural biodiversity.
• It acts as a significant advisory body to the NBA since its formation in 2005, addressing emerging issues related to agricultural genetic resources.

Significance of the Committee:

• Provides expert recommendations for the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act.
• Addresses issues related to international treaties such as the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
• Reviews guidelines for collaborative research projects related to biological resources, as mandated by Section 5 of the Biological Diversity Act.

Composition:

• The committee includes distinguished representatives from major institutions such as:
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
  • National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
  • Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
  • National Innovation Foundation
  • NALSAR University of Law

Focus Areas:

• Investigate issues related to seeds and biological resources under the Biological Diversity Act.
• Review guidelines for international collaborative research on biological resources.
• Suggest measures for the conservation and sustainable use of endangered indigenous crop varieties and livestock breeds.

Alignment with National Goals:

• The reconstitution highlights the Indian government's commitment to protecting agricultural biodiversity and traditional knowledge.
• Supports the achievement of updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) targets 4 and 13.
• Contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 15: Life on Land

Conclusion: The restructured Agricultural Biodiversity Expert Committee plays a crucial role in balancing biodiversity conservation with agricultural research and innovation, ensuring sustainable practices in the management of genetic resources.