India Establishes New Gene Bank for Biodiversity Conservation

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank during a post-budget webinar. This initiative aims to conserve India’s genetic resources and enhance food security for future generations. The webinar brought into light the importance of collaboration among government, industry, academia, and citizens to translate budget announcements into effective outcomes. The focus is on empowering citizens, strengthening the economy, and encouraging innovation to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

What is a Gene Bank?

A gene bank is a repository for genetic material. It collects and stores seeds, pollen, and tissue samples from various plant species. The goal is to protect these species from extinction and preserve vital varieties for future use.

Historical Background

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. It consists of 12 regional stations across the country for the collection and storage of essential crop germplasms.

Current Status of the Gene Bank

As of January 15, 2025, the existing gene bank holds 0.47 million accessions. This includes: –

• Cereals – 0.17 million accessions
• Millets – over 60,600 accessions
• Legumes – over 69,200 accessions
• Oilseeds – more than 63,500 accessions
• Vegetables – nearly 30,000 accessions

The New National Gene Bank

The 2025-26 budget has allocated resources for establishing a second National Gene Bank. This facility will house 1 million germplasm lines. It aims to provide critical support for both public and private sectors involved in genetic resource management.

Importance of Biodiversity in India

India is a biodiversity-rich country with over 811 cultivated crop species and 902 crop wild relatives. The preservation of plant genetic resources (PGR) is crucial for agricultural resilience and food security. It also helps combat climate change challenges.

Global Significance

The existing National Gene Bank, led by ICAR-NBPGR, conserves over 470,000 accessions. It supports global PGR conservation efforts through partnerships and distributions to researchers and breeders. The new Gene Bank will enhance India’s role in international biodiversity initiatives, particularly for countries in the SAARC and BRICS regions.

Addressing Climate Change Threats

The establishment of a safety duplicate Gene Bank is vital due to growing threats like climate change and geopolitical challenges. This redundancy will safeguard India’s irreplaceable germplasm, ensuring long-term sustainability and global food security.

Commitment to Sustainable Farming

This initiative reflects India’s dedication to preserving agricultural biodiversity. It aims to secure the future of food and support sustainable farming systems both domestically and internationally.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the significance of genetic diversity in agriculture and its role in food security.
2. Critically examine the impact of climate change on agricultural biodiversity in India.
3. What are the roles of international partnerships in biodiversity conservation? Provide suitable examples.
4. Explain the concept of sustainable farming systems. How can they be integrated into modern agricultural practices?

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the significance of genetic diversity in agriculture and its role in food security.

1. Genetic diversity enables crop resilience against pests, diseases, and climate changes.
2. It ensures a variety of crops, which can lead to a more stable food supply.
3. Diverse genetic resources allow for breeding programs to develop improved crop varieties.
4. It supports ecosystem health and sustainability, which are crucial for long-term food security.
5. Preserving genetic diversity helps maintain cultural heritage associated with traditional crops.

2. Critically examine the impact of climate change on agricultural biodiversity in India.

1. Climate change leads to altered weather patterns, affecting crop yields and biodiversity.
2. Increased temperatures and erratic rainfall can threaten traditional crop varieties.
3. It may exacerbate pest and disease outbreaks, impacting agricultural production.
4. Loss of biodiversity reduces resilience, making agriculture more vulnerable to climate impacts.
5. Adaptation strategies are necessary to safeguard agricultural biodiversity against climate change.

3. What are the roles of international partnerships in biodiversity conservation? Provide suitable examples.

1. International partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices in conservation.
2. They provide financial resources and technical support for biodiversity projects.
3. Collaborative efforts like the Convention on Biological Diversity enhance global conservation strategies.
4. Regional partnerships, such as those within SAARC, promote shared biodiversity goals.
5. Examples include the Global Crop Diversity Trust and partnerships with NGOs for habitat restoration.

4. Explain the concept of sustainable farming systems. How can they be integrated into modern agricultural practices?

1. Sustainable farming systems focus on long-term ecological balance and resource conservation.
2. They incorporate practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry.
3. Integration involves utilizing technology for efficient resource management while minimizing chemical inputs.
4. Education and training for farmers on sustainable practices are essential for successful implementation.
5. Government policies can support sustainable practices through incentives and research funding.