Concerns have been raised by independent scientists, environmentalists, and farmer leaders regarding the process for amending the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act of 2001. They have written to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, expressing worries about how the changes are being discussed.
The Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA-Kisan Swaraj) sent a letter to the Minister. This letter was supported by 159 scientists, farmer leaders, environmental activists, and other experts. They noted that while representatives from the seed industry have been involved in consultations many times, discussions with civil society groups, including those focused on seed conservation, have been limited. These discussions also happened at the last minute and were partly online.
Another worry is the potential conflict of interest. Representatives from the seed industry are part of the same committee that is deciding on the final amendments. The letter stated, “It is not clear what other amendments are being discussed because no information is being shared proactively and transparently. The proposed amendments are emerging from industry associations, whose representatives are sitting on the same committee that is reviewing these amendments to suggest to the Government of India.”
The PPV&FR Act was created in 2001. The PPV&FR Authority was established in 2005. Their aim is to protect different types of plants and the rights of both farmers and those who develop new plant varieties. This law is considered very progressive because it gives farmers stronger rights to protect their seeds and the resources they use.
Experts are concerned that the current discussions might lead to favouring the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). UPOV is an international organisation that often prioritises the rights of large, multinational companies over farmers. India is currently not a member of UPOV.
The letter also suggested that the proposed changes are being influenced by trade talks with countries like the USA. “This ‘harmonisation with UPOV’ is a sinister agenda of industry lobbies. It could also indicate the Government of India’s submission to pressure from the USA and other countries regarding the trade deals being negotiated,” the letter warned.
The committee responsible for these amendments was formed in December 2024. However, ASHA has stated that information about the committee’s members or how it works has not been easily shared with the public. Transparency in this process is crucial for ensuring that the rights of farmers and the country’s agricultural biodiversity are protected.