The central government has announced the establishment of the second National Gene Bank (NGB) as part of its efforts to ensure long-term food and nutritional security. This initiative, which falls under the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26, aims to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm for the future.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary on Friday shared this information in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
The first National Gene Bank, located at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi, currently holds the distinction of being the second-largest gene bank in the world, with 4,71,561 accessions from 2,157 species. These plant genetic resources are crucial for the improvement of crops and the management of genetic resources in the country. They are made available to both public and private sector agencies involved in agricultural development and research.
The new Gene Bank, which will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, is designed to expand India’s capacity to conserve a wider variety of plant germplasm, helping to further strengthen the country’s position as a leader in global biodiversity conservation. The establishment of this facility is an important step towards preserving genetic diversity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, which are essential for ensuring food security in the coming decades.
