India’s ABS Framework Hits ₹200 Crore Milestone
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has achieved a remarkable milestone in the implementation of India’s Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) framework, with total disbursements surpassing ₹200 crore. As part of this ongoing initiative, the NBA has approved ₹8.23 crore in ABS proceeds to benefit 27 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and 5 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs). This funding is derived from the access and utilization of biological resources including Bitter Gourd, Okra, Chilli, and Onion.
The proceeds were realized through agreements with seed companies such as M/s Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., M/s East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd., and M/s Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt. Ltd., which accessed these biological resources for research and commercial purposes. The resources were procured through the open market, making it impossible to trace them back to specific farmers or communities.
To ensure fair distribution, the NBA has followed the methodology recommended by an Expert Committee, forwarding the funds to the SBBs and UTBCs in states and territories where these crops are cultivated. The allocations are based on cultivation areas published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, enabling the funds to reach regions where cultivation is prominent.
Top Recipients of ABS Funding
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have emerged as the largest beneficiaries in this distribution, receiving significant amounts attributed to their cultivation of the respective crops. Madhya Pradesh’s allocation is supported by its production of Bitter Gourd, Chilli, and Onion, while Maharashtra leads in Onion cultivation, representing over 49 percent of India’s total area for this crop.
The top states and union territories receiving the highest ABS proceeds from these crops are outlined below:
| S.No. | State/UT | ABS Amount Disbursed (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madhya Pradesh | 1,17,39,914 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 1,01,30,649 |
| 3 | Andhra Pradesh | 75,55,077 |
| 4 | Karnataka | 65,22,893 |
| 5 | Gujarat | 64,05,708 |
| 6 | Odisha | 57,63,361 |
| 7 | Bihar | 47,63,367 |
| 8 | Chhattisgarh | 39,91,285 |
| 9 | West Bengal | 36,04,978 |
| 10 | Uttar Pradesh | 35,72,456 |
| 11 | Remaining States/UTs | 1,82,88,892 |
These funds must be utilized by the SBBs and UTBCs for activities outlined under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act 2002. These activities include the documentation and updating of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), the conservation of biological resources, the restoration of degraded ecosystems, and enhancing community livelihoods.
The recent disbursement not only marks a significant step in India’s commitment to biodiversity conservation but also illustrates the efficient implementation of the Biological Diversity Act. The accumulated ABS disbursement of over ₹200 crore highlights the NBA’s dedication to ensuring equitable sharing of benefits derived from biological resources, aligning with India’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.
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