How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture

2012

Environment, India Environmental Policy/Body

How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to resources genetic/biological cannot be made without approval of NBA.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)

1 Only

(b)

2 and 3 only

(c)

1 and 3 only

(d)

1, 2 and 3

Answer:

(c)

Non-traditional

Explanation

Option (c) is correct. The NBA is responsible for preventing biopiracy and protecting indigenous genetic resources. It requires approval before anyone can apply for Intellectual Property Rights related to genetic resources from India. However, it does not directly monitor or supervise research on genetic modification of crop plants; this is managed by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).