Question

Define Biopiracy with reference to Basmati rice.

Hint:

Biopiracy = Stealing bio-resources + traditional knowledge

• No permission
• No benefit sharing
• Example: Basmati patent controversy

Protect biodiversity through GI tags and laws.

Answer 1

Concept: Biopiracy refers to the unethical or illegal use of biological resources and traditional knowledge without proper permission or compensation.
Definition: Biopiracy is the unauthorized exploitation of biological materials (plants, animals, microbes) and indigenous knowledge by individuals or corporations for commercial gain without sharing benefits with the original owners or communities.
Example: Basmati Rice Case Basmati rice is a traditional aromatic rice variety grown mainly in India and Pakistan for centuries.
What Happened?

• A foreign company attempted to patent certain varieties of Basmati rice and related processing methods.
• The patent claimed rights over lines derived from traditional Indian Basmati.
• This raised concerns about ownership of indigenous genetic resources.

Why It Was Considered Biopiracy:

• Traditional knowledge of farmers was used without consent.
• No benefit-sharing with original cultivators.
• Attempt to monopolize a culturally significant crop.

Outcome:

• Legal challenges were raised by India.
• Several patent claims were withdrawn or rejected.
• Highlighted need for protection of biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

Importance:

• Promotes awareness of intellectual property rights in biodiversity.
• Supports laws like Biodiversity Act and Geographical Indications (GI).