India has reconstituted its Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity, appointing Padma Shri awardee Dr. P. L. Gautam as chairperson for a one-year term. The move aims to strengthen efforts to conserve agricultural biodiversity, promote sustainable farming practices and support the management of genetic resources critical to food security and climate resilience.

The committee has been reconstituted by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Dr. Gautam is a noted agricultural scientist and former chairperson of both the NBA and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA). The current chairperson of PPVFRA will serve as co-chair of the committee.

Focus On Agricultural Genetic Resources

The Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity has functioned as a key advisory body since 2005. It provides scientific and policy guidance on issues related to agricultural biodiversity, including conservation, sustainable use and access and benefit-sharing mechanisms.

The committee has previously advised on matters linked to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), seed exports, livestock genetic resources, conventional plant breeding and international collaborative research involving biological resources.

Experts say agricultural biodiversity plays a critical role in ensuring food security, improving crop resilience and supporting adaptation to climate change. Native crop varieties and livestock breeds are increasingly viewed as important resources in building sustainable agricultural systems.

Broad Representation From Research And Policy Institutions

The reconstituted committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, national genetic resource bureaus, agricultural universities, legal institutions and research organizations.

The panel will examine biodiversity-related issues in the seed sector, review guidelines for international research collaborations and recommend measures to protect threatened indigenous crop varieties and livestock breeds.

Supporting National And Global Sustainability Goals

The NBA said the committee will help integrate biodiversity considerations into agricultural policies and practices. Its work is expected to support India's updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan targets while contributing to global sustainable development goals related to food security, climate action and ecosystem conservation.

The committee is also expected to provide technical inputs for India's participation in international agreements concerning agricultural biodiversity and genetic resource conservation.