India Launches Second National Gene Bank Initiative
In a significant move to bolster food security and conserve genetic resources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a new Gene Bank during a post-budget webinar held via video conferencing. This initiative aims to safeguard India’s agricultural biodiversity for future generations, ensuring the preservation of vital plant species and their genetic materials.
Webinar Highlights Collaborative Efforts
The recent webinar served as a platform for collaboration among government officials, industry leaders, academics, and citizens. It focused on translating the transformative announcements from the budget into actionable outcomes. Key themes of the discussions included investing in people, enhancing the economy, and fostering innovation. The overarching goal is to pave the way for sustainable and inclusive growth, with an emphasis on technological leadership and a skilled workforce. This initiative aligns with the vision of achieving a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047.
Understanding the Gene Bank Concept
A Gene Bank functions as a repository for genetic material, including seeds, pollen, and tissue samples from various plant species. Its primary purpose is to protect these species from extinction and preserve essential varieties for future agricultural needs. India’s first Gene Bank was established in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi. This facility comprises 12 regional stations dedicated to the collection and storage of crucial crop germplasms, which are vital for research, conservation, and crop breeding.
Expansion of Genetic Resource Conservation
As of January 15, 2025, the existing Gene Bank holds approximately 0.47 million accessions, which include a diverse range of crops such as cereals, millets, legumes, oilseeds, and vegetables. The recent budget announcement includes plans for a second National Gene Bank, which will be operational by the 2025-26 fiscal year. This new facility is expected to house 1 million germplasm lines, providing essential support for both public and private sectors involved in genetic resource management.
India’s Role in Global Biodiversity Conservation
India is recognized for its rich biodiversity, boasting over 811 cultivated crop species and 902 wild relatives. The existing National Gene Bank, managed by ICAR-NBPGR, plays a crucial role in conserving over 470,000 accessions and contributes to global efforts in plant genetic resource conservation. The establishment of the second Gene Bank will further enhance India’s leadership in biodiversity conservation, supporting international initiatives, particularly in the SAARC and BRICS regions. This facility will offer conservation assistance to nations lacking well-established genetic resource networks.
In light of increasing threats such as climate change and geopolitical challenges, the creation of a safety duplicate Gene Bank is essential. This initiative aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s genetic diversity and contribute to global food security, reflecting the country’s commitment to preserving agricultural biodiversity and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.