The Union Cabinet today approved the ratification of two global conventions on plant genetic resources and plant variety protection. This will remove some major lacunae that have helped other nations to unduly exploit Indian agricultural wealth. Besides, India can now claim to have in place an intellectual property rights regime compatible with international norms.
The international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, which the government today decided to ratify, will facilitate Indian plant breeders access to plant germplasm of other member countries for breeding better crop varieties. It will also enable India to claim compensation for the benefits being derived by other countries from the use of plant genetic resources conserved by Indian farmers over the centuries.
The other measure approved by the Cabinet today pertains to India
