₹24 Lakh Disbursed to Support Biodiversity Conservation in India
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has announced the release of over ₹24 lakh as Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) payments. This financial support will benefit buffalo farmers in Haryana and various beneficiaries across 11 states, along with three national research institutions. The funds are aimed at promoting the conservation of valuable biological resources that have been commercially utilized by companies and research entities.
The ABS payments have been allocated to several beneficiaries. Among them is a family-operated Murrah Buffalo Farm in Haryana, receiving ₹4.30 lakh. Other recipients include the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources in New Delhi (₹4.61 lakh), ICRISAT in Patancheru, Hyderabad (₹5.36 lakh), and the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources in Lucknow (₹0.14 lakh). In addition, the state biodiversity boards from various states have also received their share, including Maharashtra (₹3.22 lakh), Gujarat (₹1.92 lakh), Telangana (₹1.52 lakh), Karnataka (₹0.73 lakh), and additional amounts distributed among several other states such as Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
The payments correlate with the access granted to significant biological resources. This includes breeding stock of the Murrah buffalo, which is renowned as one of India’s most commercially valuable dairy buffalo breeds. The funding also includes access to hundreds of crop varieties such as rice, mustard, wild mung bean, and various types of fish cell cultures utilized for scientific endeavors.
Under the NBA’s ABS framework, these payments are disbursed in accordance with established regulations. The funds allocated to research institutions will support biodiversity conservation and research activities. Additionally, the benefits derived from access to cotton genetic resources will be shared among the 11 cotton-growing states. For individual conservers like farmers and breeders, a significant portion of the ABS payments is transferred through the respective State Biodiversity Boards for distribution.
This recent financial disbursement brings the total ABS payments made by the NBA to around ₹153 crore. This initiative highlights India’s dedication to reinforcing conservation efforts, maintaining biological resources, and supporting scientific research. By ensuring that those who work to conserve biological diversity receive a fair share of the benefits, the NBA is taking a significant step towards sustainable management of the country’s rich biological heritage.
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