The need to regulate the outflow of genetic resources from the country has prompted the Union government to take stop- gap measures as the ministry for environment and forests (MEF) has failed on its promise to introduce the proposed legislation on genetic resources at the monsoon session of Parliament.

The environment minister, Kamal Nath, disclosed recently that a public notice, drafted in consultation with and approval of the MEF, will be issued shortly by the ministry of commerce. The notice -- under Section 5 of the Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act -- is aimed at controlling and preventing the outflow of genetic material and microbes from the country. The notice will also emphasise the rights of local communities over genetic resources that they have traditionally conserved and used.