Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations (UN) has released Third Report on State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA). The report provides a comprehensive global assessment of plant genetic resource conservation, use, and status at global, regional, and national levels.
The report is based on inputs from 128 countries, 4 regional research centers, and 13 international research institutions.
Aim of Report
- To assess trends, gaps, and priorities in the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources.
- To guide global action plans for safeguarding plant biodiversity and ensuring food security.
Key Findings of Report
Declining Crop Diversity
- Despite 6,000 cultivated plant species, 60% of global crop production depends on just nine crops:
Sugarcane, maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil palm fruit, sugar beet, and cassava. - The loss of plant diversity poses a major threat to global food security.
Threatened Farmers’ Varieties & Landraces (FV/LR)
- 6% of FV/LR varieties globally are under threat.
- 18% or more FV/LR diversity is threatened in nine sub-regions, with the highest threats in: Southern Africa; Western Asia; The Caribbean.
- Least threatened regions: Southern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
In-Situ (On-Farm) Conservation
- 42% of surveyed plant species/varieties are under threat.
- In India, over 50% of documented FV/LRs across five agroecological zones are at risk.
Ex-Situ Conservation Challenges
- Gene banks face funding shortages, infrastructure gaps, and lack of skilled experts.
- Many countries lack political and financial support for long-term seed preservation efforts.
India’s Efforts in Seed Conservation
- India’s ‘Creation of Seed Hubs’ project (since 2016) has boosted pulse production:
2007-08: 14.76 million tonnes
2020-21: 24.42 million tonnes
- The project promotes new high-yielding pulse varieties among smallholder farmers.
Climate Change: A Major Threat to Crop Diversity
- Extreme weather events are increasing, but many countries lack systems to measure their impact on crop diversity.
- After disasters, the distributed germplasm (seed material) may not always suit local conditions, affecting recovery.
Major Challenges Identified
Genetic Erosion – Loss of traditional crop varieties due to climate change, monoculture, and urbanization.
Funding Gaps – Limited financial support for gene banks and long-term conservation efforts.
Lack of Expertise – Shortage of taxonomists and plant breeders for genetic resource management.
Poor Documentation – Incomplete data on plant genetic resources, affecting research and crop improvement.
Seed System Challenges – Farmers face difficulty accessing quality, locally adapted seeds after disasters.
History of FAO’s PGRFA Reports
| Report | Year | Key Highlights |
| First Report | 1998 | – Presented at the Fourth International Technical Conference, Leipzig, Germany (1996). – Based on inputs from 154 countries and 12 regional consultations. – First global assessment of PGRFA conservation and management. |
| Second Report | 2010 | – Updated the first report’s findings. – Highlighted conservation gaps and global needs. – Focused on climate resilience and food security. |
| Third Report | 2024 | – Covers 2011-2022 trends. – Highlights crop diversity loss, conservation gaps, and climate threats. – Emphasizes global and national action plans for plant biodiversity protection. |
This Third Report serves as a crucial roadmap for global efforts to preserve plant genetic resources and ensure sustainable food production in the face of climate change.