A Rare Man

put into breeding using recombinant DNA technology which is expensive. Because they invest in expensive breeding methods and need to secure returns on their investments, seed companies in Europe seek market control through strong IPRs. These conditions do not apply in India India's seed law must emphasise that it is a germplasm-owning country. Its position should be that seed companies wanting protection for plant varieties through PBR will first have to pay for the genetic material used by them. Genetic resources like other natural resources are a source of revenue and must be paid for. The economic value of genes can be assessed by case studies in order to help fix a price for their use.