Mechanisms for Operationalization of Access to Germplasm in India in the New Regime

Abstract

The diversity in life forms is the basis of continuous
evolution of life on earth. The dependence of human
beings for food, fodder, shelter and other needs on various
components of biodiversity, especially the plant genetic
resources (PGR), is also undoubted. Sustainable use of
PGR for food and agriculture is, therefore, of critical
importance. Since most countries depend largely on PGR
that have originated elsewhere, it is essential and
extremely important to develop mechanisms for the access
and sharing of these resources among and within the
nations. It is, more so, after the realization of owners
rights, breeders' rights (1970s) and Intellectual Property
Rights (lPRs), and owing to the advances in biotechnology
during 1990s.