What happened?
The central government has announced the establishment of the second National Gene Bank (NGB) to ensure long-term food and nutritional security. This initiative, under the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26, aims to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm. Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, shared this information in a written response to the Rajya Sabha on Friday. The first National Gene Bank, at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi, is the second-largest gene bank in the world, holding 4,71,561 accessions from 2,157 species. These plant genetic resources are crucial for crop improvement and genetic resource management. The new Gene Bank will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure to expand India’s capacity to conserve a wider variety of plant germplasm.
Why it matters to India
The establishment of the second National Gene Bank is a significant step towards preserving genetic diversity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative strengthens India’s efforts to ensure food security and nutritional self-sufficiency in the face of future challenges. By conserving a wider variety of plant germplasm, India can enhance its agricultural resilience and maintain its position in global biodiversity conservation.