Biosecurity Policies Influencing International Exchange of PGR

Biosecurity policies play an important role in facilitating transboundary exchange of plant genetic resources (PGR) by preventing introduction of pests into new geographical areas. International exchange of PGR has contributed significantly towards crop improvement and increased crop production. However, a number of pests have also moved across the countries along with planting material. Most countries regulate the import of germplasm because of the pest risk posed by such imports. With the coming of the two international Agreements-Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992 and World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, international exchange of PGR has been altered. Under WTO, the aim is to promote trade by undertaking quarantine and influencing trade policies while CBD aims at protection and conservation of biodiversity. A number of national regulations related to biosecurity and related issues have an impact on safe international movement of PGR. Even the PGR being exchanged under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources of Food and Agriculture are governed by the respective national biosecurity regulations of the nations. The various national regulations provide a fragmented legislative system which needs to be harmonized and integrated to holistically deal with biosecurity while complying with international norms. The establishment of National Agricultural Biosecurity Authority and the Biosafety Regulatory Authority of India and the enactment of the Seed Bill needs to be taken up to have a holistic approach in dealing with biosecurity. Also, there is a need to support research, training, capacity-building, networking and information sharing activities at both national and regional levels.