Scientists warn Centre against accepting ‘compromise formula’ at plant treaty meet in Peru

Sat Nov 29 16:04:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Indian Scientists Warn Against International Seed Treaty Proposal, Allege Favoritism Towards Agri-Businesses

New Delhi, November 29, 2025 – A group of scientists, identifying themselves as Scientists for Genetic Diversity, has voiced strong opposition to a “compromise proposal” being considered at the 11th session of the governing body (GB11) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, currently underway in Lima, Peru.

In a letter addressed to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, and the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research M. L. Jat, the scientists allege that the proposal, concerning the Multilateral System on Access and Benefit Sharing (MLS), is fundamentally unjust and skewed in favor of large agri-businesses and technology corporations. They are urging the Indian government to reject the deal.

The proposal includes measures such as a revised Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA) and expansion of the multilateral system’s coverage, with payment rates and thresholds to be approved at the GB12 session.

The scientists argue that the proposal would allow multinational enterprises to consolidate a monopoly over the seed sector, granting them unfettered access to the genetic resources of the Global South. They criticize the shelving of mandatory payment schedules for genetic resource use until the GB12, claiming it maintains the imbalance of access for developed nations with minimal financial return for gene-rich developing nations.

The group also expressed dismay at the perceived silence of the Indian delegation at the GB11, stating their failure to strategically advocate against the proposal constitutes a “spectacular failure” to protect the rights of Indian farming communities. They assert that these communities are the true custodians of India’s valuable genetic resources and deserve to have their ownership rights acknowledged and protected.

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