Question

Give any two reasons why the patent on Basmati should not have gone to an American Company.

Answer 1

The patent on Basmati rice should not have gone to an American company for two main reasons:

1. Basmati rice has been traditionally grown and developed by Indian farmers for centuries, making it a part of India’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Granting a patent to a company outside India, especially without recognizing the indigenous origin, amounts to biopiracy.
2. The patented variety was derived by crossing Indian Basmati with a semi-dwarf variety, which does not justify exclusive ownership by a foreign company. Therefore, it was an unfair biopatent practice, exploiting India’s natural resources without proper authorization or compensation.