NBA Reconstitutes Expert Panel with Padma Shri Dr. P L Gautam as Chair: Boost to Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has reconstituted its Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity for a period of one year, under the provisions of Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This pivotal move aims to bolster the conservation, sustainable use, and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) of agricultural biodiversity in India. The committee, chaired by renowned agricultural scientist Padma Shri Dr. P. L. Gautam, is set to play a critical role in advising the NBA on various aspects of agricultural biodiversity.

Dr. P. L. Gautam, a veteran in the field of agricultural science, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His contributions to agricultural science and biodiversity conservation have been widely recognized, and he has previously served as the Chairperson of both the National Biodiversity Authority and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). The Chairperson of PPVFRA will serve as the Co-Chair of the reconstituted committee, ensuring a collaborative approach to tackling the complex issues surrounding agricultural biodiversity.

The Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity has been instrumental in supporting the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act since 2005. Its recommendations have been crucial in balancing biodiversity conservation with agricultural innovation and research. The committee has provided expert advice on access and benefit-sharing mechanisms, export of seeds and farm animal embryos, conventional plant breeding activities, collaborative international research involving biological resources, and India’s obligations under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

The reconstituted committee comprises senior representatives and experts from leading institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), National Bureaus of Plant, Animal and Fish Genetic Resources, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, National Innovation Foundation, NALSAR University of Law, and other research, academic, and policy institutions. This diverse representation ensures that the committee benefits from a wide range of expertise and perspectives, ultimately informing more effective decision-making.

The committee will focus on several critical areas, including the conservation of native crop varieties, seed sector and biodiversity regulations, and support for international commitments. It will recommend measures for the protection and sustainable use of threatened indigenous crop varieties and livestock breeds, examine issues relating to the seed sector under the Biological Diversity Act, and provide technical and policy inputs to strengthen India’s engagement with international agreements related to agricultural biodiversity.

The reconstitution of the committee reflects the Government of India’s commitment to conserving agricultural biodiversity, protecting genetic resources and traditional knowledge, promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems, and strengthening food security. This initiative will contribute to India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) targets and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 13, and 15, which focus on zero hunger, climate action, and life on land, respectively.

Agricultural biodiversity forms the foundation of food security and climate resilience. As changing weather patterns and environmental pressures pose increasing challenges to agricultural productivity, the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity become even more critical. The reconstituted Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity, under the chairmanship of Padma Shri Dr. P. L. Gautam, is poised to play a vital role in addressing these challenges and promoting a more sustainable and food-secure future for India.