SAARC Seed Bank

In 2011, the SAARC Leaders had endorsed a SAARC Seed Bank Agreement and a Framework for Materials Transfer Agreement. Objective of the proposed seed bank was to foster “seed security” in the region; increase seed replacement ratio; address seed shortage via collective action and act as a Regional Seed Security Reserve for member states of SAARC.

This agreement required ratification from all members to come in effect. Out of eight members, only five viz. BBIN & Sri Lanka could ratify the agreement. No action was taken from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives side.

The agreement is thus currently in limbo. There are several other issues related to its functioning, mechanism etc. also which would come to fore only when it comes into existence.

Kindly note that there were talks to set up Regional Vaccine Bank and Regional Livestock Gene Bank also. None of them is in operation right now.