Plant Introduction in India During Pre- and Post-CBD Periods - An Analysis

An analysis of the germplasm import into India before and after the adoption of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was undertaken with the objective of finding the impact of signing this legally binding instrument by contracting countries. Plant Genetic Resources are at NBPGR for research purpose, quarantine examination and onward transmission to the users. The records of such imports five years prior to the signing CBD (1988–92) and five years after CBD (1997–2001), with a gap of 1993–1996 as transit phase were analysed. The impact was studied separately for CGIAR centres national gene banks in different group of crops. An overall decrease of about 14.5% in introduction of germplasm was observed during post-CBD period. This decline has, however, not affected imports from CG centres. The decrease in introduction from National Gene Banks in different countries suggest a cautious approach for sharing of germplasm. Countries like USA, Germany, Canada, UK and Italy still remain the main supplier of germplasm to India.