Second National Gene Bank

10 Feb 2025

Second National Gene Bank

The Indian government has announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank, nearly three decades after the first one was set up as part of the Union Budget 2025-26.

What is a Gene Bank?

Gene Bank

  • A gene bank is a storage facility that preserves seeds, pollen, or plant tissues to protect plant species from extinction.
  • These stored samples help in crop breeding, research, and conservation.
    • It helps in protecting biodiversity and ensures the availability of important crop varieties for future use.
  • India’s First National Gene Bank
    • Established in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi.
  • Purpose of the New Gene Bank
    • The new gene bank aims to ensure food and nutritional security for the future.
    • It will help conserve and protect genetic resources for both the public and private sectors.

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  • National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR):  It is a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). 
    • Objective: It aims to evaluate, conserve, and use plant genetic resources for sustainable agriculture and food security. 
    • Headquarter: New Delhi. 
  • National Gene Fund: This fund provides a legal framework for the protection of the plant varieties and farmers rights. 
    • Established: Section 45 of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (PPVFR Act)
    • Objective: It ensures fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources, promotes sustainable farming practices, and supports conservation of animal and plant genetics. 

  • Current Status of Stored Germplasms
    • As of January 15, 2025, the gene bank holds 0.47 million accessions (plant material used for breeding), including:
      • Cereals: 0.17 million accessions
      • Millets: Over 60,600 accessions
      • Legumes: Over 69,200 accessions
      • Oilseeds: More than 63,500 accessions
      • Vegetables: Nearly 30,000 accessions

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  • ICRISAT Genebank: A Global Example

    • The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Genebank was established in 1972 to conserve crop genetic resources.
    • It stores genetic material of 11 key crops, including:
      • Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Proso millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Chickpea, Pigeon pea, and Groundnut.
    • The genebank supports food security and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Apart from India, ICRISAT also operates in Zimbabwe, Niger, and Kenya.
  • Innovative Gene Bank Initiatives

    • 2019: ICRISAT established the world’s first solar-powered gene bank in Hyderabad.
    • 2021: The world’s second-largest refurbished National Gene Bank at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), was inaugurated in Madhya pradesh.  
      • This advanced facility helps preserve plant genetic resources for future use.

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