The RCEP agreement, if implemented, will allow other countries to dump excess seeds in the Indian market. The current 100% FDI policy also threatens seed sovereignty
With a confirmed Brexit, the days of liberal globalisation are numbered. Open borders, FTAs and multilateral agreements find no takers in the White House either. Leaders Boris Johnson and Donald Trump have heralded a clear and blunt message of tariffs, conservative economics and national interest. It appears the time of Adam Smith has ended, as the financial powers of the world are looking towards protectionism and focussing inwards to repair their economies. Amidst such developments are the ongoing RCEP negotiations for what will potentially be the world’s biggest free trade agreement. We are opening the doors that guard our farmers’ agricultural produce against exploitation. A bit counterintuitive?
Today, India boasts of a vibrant seed sector which involves both public institutions and a variety of private companies. The seed sector is the backbone of agriculture in many countries, but the situation in India can’t be compared with that of Australia, Japan, China or other members of the RCEP grouping. Seeds are vital to our national security, and any wrong policy decision could sound the death knell many dependent on the seed economy. We have a large population involved with the seed sector for food and livelihood. Our plant genetic resources (PGR) and seeds will play a critical role in ensuring food security for the future generations.
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