National Gene Bank |ForumIAS

News- The Government of India has announced the creation of a Second National Gene Bank to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm. This initiative aligns with the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26.

Gene Bank

A Gene Bank is a specialized storage facility designed to preserve seeds, pollen, and plant tissues to safeguard plant species from extinction and ensure their availability for future needs.
These preserved samples play a vital role in crop breeding, scientific research, and biodiversity conservation.

India’s First National Gene Bank

It was established in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi.
Current status:
- It is the second-largest Gene Bank globally, following the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway.
- It houses 4,71,561 accessions spanning 2,157 species.
- It supplies plant genetic resources to both public and private entities engaged in crop improvement and genetic conservation.

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)

It is the apex institution under ICAR responsible for plant genetic resource management.
Objective: Conservation, evaluation, and utilization of plant genetic resources to support sustainable agriculture and food security.
Headquarters: New Delhi

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