UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food cautioned that Digital Sequence Information (DSI) could fundamentally undermine the mandate of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). 

About ITPGRFA 

• ITPGRFA, adopted in 2001 and enforced since 2004, is a legally binding agreement under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 
• It aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of all plant genetic resources for food and agricultureand fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their use.
• India is a contracting party to the treaty.
• Treaty’s governing body meets every two years.

Digital Sequence Information (DSI)

• DSI on genetic resources is a placeholder term in the discussions under the 1992 Conventions on Biological Diversity. 
  • However, there is no consensus on its exact definition under CBD. 
• Generally, DSI refers to digital storage of genetic data derived from DNA, RNA, proteins or other biological sequences.
  • DSI is a tool for scientific research used by the public and private sectors, supporting sustainable development. 
• Cali Fund for DSI: A global benefit-sharing mechanism was created at CBD COP-16 to ensure that profits from the use of DSI are shared fairly, supporting biodiversity conservation, capacity-building, and indigenous communities.