New Delhi, July 7 -- Farmers' groups, seed savers and environmental advocates across India have warned that a new international agreement could allow global corporations to access India's traditional seeds without adequate safeguards for farmers' rights.

The discussions are part of the UN's International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA), commonly known as the Plant Treaty. It aims to facilitate the exchange of seeds and ensure equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their use, including when private companies develop commercial crops from traditional varieties.

The treaty is important for global food security and crop diversity, particularly at a time when climate change and corporate concentrati...