Establishment Of Second National Gene Bank

The Union Government has announced the establishment of India’s Second National Gene Bank (NGB) as part of the Union Budget 2025-26 under the theme “Investing in Innovations.”

This initiative aims to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm to ensure future food and nutritional security.

What is a Gene Bank?

A Gene Bank is a repository designed to conserve plant genetic material, including seeds, tissues, and pollen.
It plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and protecting crop varieties from extinction.

India’s First National Gene Bank

It was established in 1996 at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) Headquarters in New Delhi, stores around 5 lakh accessions from 2,157 species.
Major Crop Collections:
- Cereals: 1.7 lakh
- Legumes: 69,200+
- Oilseeds: 63,500+
- Millets: 60,600+
- Vegetables: 30,000
Global Importance: Second-largest gene bank globally, after the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway, contributing significantly to international Plant Genetic Resource (PGR) conservation.

India’s Second National Gene Bank

Announced in: Union Budget 2025-26.
Capacity: Designed to conserve 10 lakh germplasm lines, doubling India’s gene banking capability.
Purpose: Supports future-ready agriculture, climate adaptation, and nutritional security goals.

Key Features of the National Gene Bank

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR):

NBPGR is the apex institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) responsible for the conservation, evaluation, and utilization of plant genetic resources.
Objective: To enhance sustainable agriculture and food security through genetic resource conservation.

National Gene Fund:

The National Gene Fund was established under Section 45 of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (PPVFR Act).
Objectives of the National Gene Fund:
- Ensures fair distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources.
- Supports conservation efforts and sustainable farming practices.
- Provides financial incentives to farmers and institutions engaged in biodiversity conservation.

Managed by: ICAR – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Objective: Conservation of genetic resources of cultivated and wild crops to support sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience.
Technology & Facilities:
- Cryogenic storage for long-term preservation.
  - Cryopreservation is a technique used to store seeds at ultra-low temperatures, typically in liquid nitrogen.
- DNA fingerprinting and digital databases for germplasm management.
- Distribution of conserved genetic materials to breeders, scientists, and global researchers.
India’s NGB supports global biodiversity efforts, including collaborations with SAARC and BRICS countries.

Types of Gene Banks
Type of Bank	What it Stores	Example
Seed Bank	Seeds under controlled conditions	ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
Field Gene Bank	Live plants conserved in natural conditions	For perennial crops like mango
Cryobank	Genetic material stored at ultra-low temperatures (e.g., -196°C in liquid nitrogen)	Preserve tissues, embryos, and cells
DNA Bank	Purified DNA samples	Used for genetic research
In Vitro Bank	Plant tissues stored in nutrient mediums	Tissue culture

Conclusion

The establishment of the Second National Gene Bank marks a major step in India’s commitment to agricultural sustainability and genetic conservation. It strengthens food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience, ensuring that future generations have access to diverse and nutritious crops.

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