National Gene Bank

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