National plant genetic resource policy for food and agriculture: a case study of Nepal

The objectives of this study were to review and analyse current policy situations and study policy formulation process on plant genetic resource for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Nepal. The case study employed multidisciplinary, participatory and process oriented research approach to elicit information from various stakeholders at different steps and hierarchical levels. The major participatory tools involved were semi-structure interview, consultation meeting, focus group discussions, travelling seminar and workshop. The information was supplemented with secondary review, in-house discussion of project multidisciplinary research team members followed by informal monitoring of initiaatives of the key stakeholder groups. The study revealed the lack of overall policy on PGRFA in the country despite the importance of agricultural sector, predominance of informal seed systems and rich diversity of farmers' indigenous knowledge on genetic resources. As a signatory of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), His Majesty's government of Nepal, has made some initiatives to fulfill the obligations by developing action plans and legislation. However, forest and wildlife conservation still predominates the present biodiversity plans and programs. The issues of the recent International Treaty on PGRFA have not been well recognized and addressed in the recently developed policies and legislation. Despite Nepals's willingness to join for World Trade Organization (WTO), no adequate preparation and initiatives have been made to develop suitable plant variety protection (PVP) legilsation and policy to meet the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) requirements of WTO agreement. Involvement of stakeholders from civil societies and farming community is limited. The flow of information among policy makers and other key stakeholders is often irregular, ad-hoc, and vertical. A limited awareness exists among stakeholders on the recent international PGRFA policy issues. The government is constrained by the relevant expertise, resources and institutional arrangements in the development of policy. Recently some initiatives through case study have been made to create awareness in the country. However, key issues and mechanism for wide consultation, debate and public participation in the development of relevant PGRFA policy has been still very much limited and therefore, needs to be strengthened in Nepal.