National Biodiversity Authority Reconstitutes Agrobiodiversity Panel

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has reconstituted its Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity for a one-year term, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on June 13, 2026. Padma Shri awardee Dr. P. L. Gautam, a distinguished agricultural scientist, has been appointed as the Chair of the committee. Dr. Gautam previously served as Chairperson of both the NBA and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA).

The committee, established under Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, will provide expert guidance on conserving agricultural biodiversity, promoting sustainable use, and addressing access and benefit-sharing (ABS) issues. The Chairperson of PPVFRA will serve as the Co-Chair of the panel.

Since its inception in 2005, the committee has played a pivotal role in advising on agricultural genetic resources, including matters related to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and seed export regulations. It has also contributed to balancing biodiversity conservation with agricultural innovation.

The reconstituted panel includes experts from institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and NALSAR University of Law. It will focus on integrating biodiversity into agriculture, conserving native crop varieties, and supporting India's commitments to international agreements.

This move underscores the government's dedication to safeguarding genetic resources, promoting sustainable agriculture, and achieving global goals like SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Source: Press Information Bureau (Govt. of India) press release, 13 JUN 2026. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2272377