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

• 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.

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.