Two Chinese nationals have been accused of trying to smuggle a deadly fungus, Fusarium graminearum into the United States, with the FBI stating that it was a ‘potential agro-terrorism’ weapon.

What is Agro-Terrorism?  

• Agro-terrorism involves the deliberate use of biological agents, such as plant pathogens, pests, or toxins to attack a country’s agriculture. 
• The goal of agro-terrorism is to cause economic damage, food shortages, and public panic.  

Why is agriculture a soft target?

• Unlike military or financial systems, farms, food processing plants, and supply chains are less protected and widely dispersed. 
• Biological attacks on crops or livestock can go undetected for weeks and are difficult to trace back to the perpetrators. 
• This makes agro-terrorism a potent weapon for countries or groups seeking to destabilize a rival nation.

Past examples of Agro-Terrorism

• World War II – Germany: Allegedly dropped Colorado potato beetles on British potato crops in 1943.
• Imperial Japan: Planned to infect US and Soviet wheat fields with grain rust spores.
• Cold War Era – US: Reportedly stockpiled over 30 tons of Puccinia triticina (wheat stem rust fungus). There were also plans to destroy Japanese rice crops before opting for the atomic bomb.

The Indian Context

• India, with 17% of its GDP and 55% of its population dependent on agriculture, is particularly vulnerable to agro-terrorism.
• Wheat Blast Fungus (2016) – Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT):
  • Detected in two West Bengal districts after outbreaks in Bangladesh.
  • Govt Response: Banned wheat farming in affected districts for 3 years; banned wheat cultivation within 5 km of the Bangladesh border.
• Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (2015) In Punjab:
  • Severe infestation by whiteflies led to two-thirds crop loss, worth $630–670 million.
  • Virus strains traced to experimental fields in Multan and Vehari, Pakistan, not previously found in India, raising concerns about deliberate introduction.

International Regulations & Frameworks on Agroterrorism

• At the international level, there isn’t a single, dedicated treaty or organization that solely governs agroterrorism. 
• It is addressed through a combination of international frameworks, conventions, and agencies focused on biosecurity, food safety, and counterterrorism.
• Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1972: Prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological and toxin weapons.
  • Covers pathogens and toxins affecting humans, animals, and plants, hence indirectly addresses agroterrorism.
• International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC): Under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
  • Aims to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests across borders.
  • Helps establish phytosanitary measures, supporting agroterrorism prevention.
• World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH / OIE): Sets international standards for animal health and disease surveillance.
  • Supports early detection and response to potential bioterror threats targeting livestock.
  • Collaborates on One Health initiatives to address cross-species[ threats.
• UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004): Mandates that all states must prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction (including biological weapons).
• INTERPOL & Global Counterterrorism Forums: Support international cooperation in investigating and preventing agroterror acts, especially related to bioterrorism.

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