Q. Which Indian plants have either been patented or attempts have been made to patent them by western nations for their commercial use?

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Solution:

By definition "a biological patent is a patent on an invention in the field of biology that by law allows the patent holder to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the protected invention for a limited period of time." The biopatent generally includes the biological technology process and its products, GMO, transgenic organisms, and even genetic material. These all vary as per the jurisdiction of the granting authority. The granting authority for biopatent is the government where application has been made.
Basmati rice is a variety indigenous to India and has been subjected to patent target by other western nations. Even neem and turmeric having medicinal properties are targeted for patents western nations even though these have been part of the rich traditional heritage of India.