Question

The objectives of the International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture include:
(A). To promote the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.
(B). To ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of plant genetic resources.
(C). To encourage genetic modification of crop plants and monoculture farming practices.
(D). Facilitate access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, especially for countries with limited resources and capacities.
(E). Strengthen the capacity of farmers, particularly those in developing countries, to conserve, manage, and sustainably use plant genetic resources.

• A. (A), (C), (D) and (E) only
• B. (A), (B), (C) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B), (D) and (E) only
• D. (B), (C), (D) and (E) only

Hint:

ITPGRFA is focused on crop biodiversity, open seed exchange, and protecting farmers' rights.
It is not an industrial biotechnology agreement, so it does not promote monoculture or genetic modification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), also known as the "Seed Treaty," is a comprehensive international agreement in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Adopted in 2001, its goals are to guarantee food security through the conservation, exchange, and sustainable use of the world's plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each of the stated objectives:
- Statement (A): Conservation of PGRFA is a core pillar of the treaty, which aims to protect genetic resources from genetic erosion.
Thus, Statement (A) is correct.
- Statement (B): The treaty establishes a Multilateral System (MLS) to facilitate access to genetic resources and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Thus, Statement (B) is correct.
- Statement (C): The treaty is focused on biodiversity conservation and farmers' rights.
It does not promote genetic modification or intensive monoculture farming.
Thus, Statement (C) is incorrect.
- Statement (D): The Multilateral System facilitates germplasm exchange among member nations, ensuring access for countries with limited breeding resources.
Thus, Statement (D) is correct.
- Statement (E): The treaty explicitly recognizes Farmers' Rights, which includes protecting traditional knowledge, participating in benefit-sharing, and strengthening their capacity to manage plant genetic resources sustainably.
Thus, Statement (E) is correct.
Excluding the incorrect statement (C) leaves (A), (B), (D), and (E) as the correct objectives, which matches Option (C).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C) (A), (B), (D) and (E) only.