🌾 Global Plant Genetic Resources Under Threat: Insights from FAO’s 3rd SoW-PGRFA Report

🌍 Why in News?

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has released the Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (SoW3) during the 20th Session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) in Rome, Italy.

This comprehensive report sheds light on the declining diversity of food crops, the status of traditional varieties, and the urgent need for conservation amid climate change and modern agricultural challenges.

🔍 Key Highlights of the FAO Report

🌾 1. Global Crop Dependency is Alarmingly Narrow

Though over 6,000 plant species are cultivated globally, just 9 crops account for 60% of the world’s total crop production.
These 9 dominant crops include:
- Sugarcane
- Maize
- Rice
- Wheat
- Potatoes
- Soybeans
- Oil palm fruit
- Sugar beet
- Cassava
Such dependence on a limited number of crops increases vulnerability to pests, diseases, and climate shocks.

🧬 2. Decline in Farmers’ Varieties and Landraces (FV/LRs)

In India, more than 50% of traditional crops (FV/LRs) across five agro-ecological zones are under threat.
FV/LRs are:
- Locally adapted crop varieties developed by farmers over generations.
- Resilient to droughts, pests, and diseases.
- Key examples: Kala Namak Rice, Chapati Wheat, Rajnigandha Cotton.
Global Threat Level:
- 6% of FV/LR diversity is already at risk.
- Some regions have experienced over 18% loss, especially in:
  - Southern Africa
  - Caribbean
  - Western Asia
Despite the crisis, programs like India’s 2016 Seed Hub Initiative have promoted High Yielding Varieties (HYVs), improving pulse production.

🌱 3. Challenges in Conservation Efforts

In-Situ Conservation:

About 42% of plant species in their natural ecosystems are at risk.
Challenges include land degradation, urbanization, and invasive species.

Ex-Situ Conservation:

Involves gene banks and seed vaults.
Facing issues like:
- Financial constraints
- Political instability
- Infrastructure limitations
- Lack of skilled personnel

🌡️ 4. Climate Change Accelerates Diversity Loss

Extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and storms directly impact genetic diversity.
Many countries do not assess post-disaster genetic loss effectively.
Problems in germplasm distribution post-disaster:
- Seeds may not suit the local environment.
- Difficulties in restoring local agriculture.

🏛️ About the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

🔹 Established: 1983 by FAO

🔹 Objective: To conserve and promote the sustainable use of biodiversity in agriculture.

🔹 Membership:

179 countries, including India
European Union as a member

🔹 Notable Achievements:

✔️ International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) (2001)

Legally binding treaty recognizing farmers’ rights.
Ensures global access to plant genetic materials for researchers, breeders, and farmers.

✔️ Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) and Global Plan of Action (GPA)

First global report on AnGR in 2007.
Established strategies to conserve and utilize animal biodiversity.

🧭 The Road Ahead

Urgent efforts are required at local, national, and global levels to:
- Strengthen seed conservation systems.
- Promote climate-resilient crop varieties.
- Support farmers’ rights and traditional knowledge.
- Improve disaster response mechanisms for agriculture.
Investment in community seed banks, digital databases, and international cooperation is essential to safeguard the world’s plant genetic heritage.

✍️ Conclusion

The FAO’s latest report acts as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities hidden beneath the surface of modern agriculture. While innovation is important, preserving plant genetic diversity is equally critical to ensure a food-secure, resilient, and sustainable future.