In News:

On Earth Day 2025 (April 22), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations launched the AIM4NatuRe (Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration) initiative with funding from the United Kingdom (GBP 7 million / USD 9.38 million).

Key Highlights:

• The programme aims to enhance countries’ capacities to monitor and report ecosystem restoration as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
• Objective: To support Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework:Restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030.
• Key Features
  • Lead Agency: FAO (United Nations)
  • Funding:
    • GBP 7 million from the UK (approx. USD 9.38 million)
    • Project duration: 2025–2028
  • Scope of Restoration:
    • Forests
    • Wetlands
    • Grasslands
    • Marine ecosystems
    • Degraded agricultural lands
  • Technology Integration:
    • Uses satellite tools, data analysis, and advanced monitoring systems
    • Promotes standardized data formats and data interoperability
  • Monitoring Support Tools:
    • Introduces the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM)
    • Provides technical guidance and capacity development training
  • Inclusivity & Indigenous Participation:
    • Pilot projects in Brazil and Peru
    • Supports Indigenous Peoples in biocentric monitoring — respecting traditional knowledge and holistic ecosystem restoration

Why It Matters

• Global Restoration Commitments: Nearly 1 billion hectares pledged for restoration
• Transparency & Accountability:
  • Creation of a harmonized global dataset
  • Public tracking of progress toward restoration goals
• Bridging Gaps:
  • Responds to 80% of countries reporting lack of monitoring capacity (CBD survey)
  • Provides tools and training for effective implementation and reporting
• Broader Goals:
  • Tackles climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation
  • Enhances food security and livelihoods

In News:

India is preparing to restrict the import of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa (lucerne) seeds, even as the United States urges a reduction in import duties on the crop. Alfalfa is a high-protein forage crop widely used for animal feed.

Key Highlights

• Alfalfa (Lucerne):
  • Botanical Name: Medicago sativa
  • Origin of Name: From Arabic al-fasfasa, meaning "the best forage"
  • Nutritional Profile: Rich in vitamins A, C, K, B-complex, minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium), proteins, fiber, and antioxidants
  • Uses: Primarily as fodder, also consumed by humans for its health benefits
  • Agricultural Benefit: Being a leguminous crop, it helps in nitrogen fixation

India’s Regulatory Stand

• The government plans to bar GM alfalfa seed imports under powers granted by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• A rapid detection kit may be developed by Indian scientists to identify GM seeds before unloading at ports.
• Phytosanitary Certification: All imported alfalfa seeds must be accompanied by valid certificates meeting India’s plant protection standards.

Current Import Policy & Tariffs

• HS Code: 12092100 (Lucerne seed for sowing)
• Effective Import Duty: 50.045%, broken down as:
  • 30% Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
  • 30% AIDC (Agri Infrastructure and Development Cess) on BCD
  • 10% Social Welfare Surcharge on (BCD + AIDC)
  • 5% IGST
• Import Status: Currently, India does not import alfalfa seeds due to high domestic availability and high import duty.
• Domestic Price: ?500–800/kg; imported seeds would cost more.

Other Forage Imports

• Berseem (Trifolium spp.): India imports mainly from Egypt and CIS countries
  • Import Drop: From 5,776 tonnes (2023-24) to 618 tonnes (April 2024–Jan 2025) due to increased domestic production

Environmental and Agricultural Considerations

• Water Requirement: Alfalfa is water-intensive, making seed cultivation less viable in water-scarce regions.
• Alternative Option: Experts suggest importing direct alfalfa fodder instead of seeds to meet demand while conserving water and preserving agricultural land for oilseeds and pulses.

Global Context

• USA:
  • World’s largest alfalfa producer
  • Grows both GM and non-GM varieties
  • Alfalfa is mostly grown under rainfed conditions, with lower yield compared to irrigated regions