- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has reconstituted its Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity for a period of one year under Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- The committee will provide expert guidance on the conservation, sustainable use and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) of agricultural biodiversity and related issues.
- Padma Shri awardee Dr P. L. Gautam, an eminent agricultural scientist and former Chairperson of both the National Biodiversity Authority and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), has been appointed as the Chair of the committee.
- The Chairperson of PPVFRA will serve as the Co-Chair of the reconstituted panel.
Who is Dr P L Gautam?
Dr P. L. Gautam is a distinguished agricultural scientist with decades of experience in agricultural research, biodiversity conservation and plant genetic resources.
Recently honoured with the Padma Shri, he has previously served as:
- Chairperson of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA)
- Senior agricultural scientist and policy expert
His appointment is expected to strengthen the committee’s role in addressing emerging challenges related to agricultural biodiversity and genetic resources.
About the Agrobiodiversity Expert Committee
The Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity has been functioning as an important advisory body of the NBA since 2005.
The committee has been periodically reconstituted to address:
- Conservation of agricultural genetic resources
- Sustainable use of biodiversity
- Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
- Seed sector regulations
- Collaborative research involving biological resources
- International agreements on plant genetic resources
Over the years, it has included eminent scientists, policymakers, researchers and representatives from leading agricultural institutions across India.
Key Contributions of the Committee
The Agrobiodiversity Expert Committee has played a crucial role in implementing the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Its recommendations have covered issues such as:
1. International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)
The committee has provided technical guidance regarding India’s obligations and participation in the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
2. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)
The committee has advised the NBA on:
- Export of crop seeds
- Export of embryos of farm animals
- Sharing benefits arising from biological resources
- Protection of farmers’ and local communities’ rights
3. Conventional Plant Breeding
It has also clarified issues concerning:
- Conventional breeding activities
- Research exemptions
- Collaborative research approvals under Section 5 of the Biological Diversity Act
Its recommendations have helped strike a balance between biodiversity conservation and agricultural innovation.
Composition of the Reconstituted Committee
The newly reconstituted committee includes experts and senior representatives from several leading institutions, including:
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
- National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)
- National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR)
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)
- National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
- NALSAR University of Law
- Other research and academic institutions
The multidisciplinary composition is expected to enhance coordination between biodiversity conservation and agricultural development.
Major Responsibilities of the Committee
The committee will advise the NBA on:
- Integrating biodiversity concerns into agriculture
- Promoting sustainable farming practices
- Examining seed sector issues under the Biological Diversity Act
- Reviewing guidelines for international collaborative research
- Conserving threatened native crop varieties
- Protecting indigenous livestock breeds
- Providing technical inputs for international biodiversity negotiations
It will also support India’s participation in international agreements related to agricultural biodiversity, including the ITPGRFA.
Supporting India’s Biodiversity and Sustainable Development Goals
The reconstitution of the committee aligns with the Government of India’s broader commitment to:
- Conserving agricultural biodiversity
- Protecting genetic resources
- Preserving traditional knowledge systems
- Promoting climate-resilient agriculture
- Encouraging sustainable use of biological resources
The committee is expected to contribute to:
- India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Targets 4 and 13
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – Zero Hunger
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 15 – Life on Land
Conclusion
The National Biodiversity Authority’s decision to reconstitute the Agrobiodiversity Expert Committee under the leadership of Padma Shri Dr P L Gautam marks an important step towards strengthening biodiversity conservation in India’s agriculture sector.
By focusing on genetic resource conservation, sustainable farming and policy support, the committee will play a key role in ensuring food security, climate resilience and the protection of India’s rich agricultural heritage for future generations.