National Gene Bank

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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.

National Gene Bank

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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