The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recently inaugurated the world’s second-largest refurbished, state-of-the-art National Gene Bank at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). Gene Banks play a crucial role as a type of biorepository preserving genetic material such as the collection of seed plants and tissue cultures.
Understanding Genes and Their Importance
Genes are the basic physical and functional units of heredity, composed of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). Every organism’s developmental characteristics and traits are predetermined by these genes.
About the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
The NBPGR is a nodal organization in India responsible for managing plant genetic resources. Operating under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the NBPGR conserves seed germplasm for long-term preservation. The organization strategically plans, organizes, conducts, and coordinates exploration and collection of both indigenous and exotic plant genetic resources. Headquartered in New Delhi, the NBPGR operates ten regional stations across the country.
The National Gene Bank and Its Relevance
Established in 1996, the National Gene Bank conserves Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) seeds for future generations. With a capacity to preserve approximately one million germplasms in seed format, it is instrumental in safeguarding plant diversity. Germplasm refers to the living tissue from which new plants can grow. Through its headquarters in Delhi and ten regional stations, the NBPGR meets the need for both in-situ and ex-situ germplasm conservation.
In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation
In-situ and ex-situ conservation methods focus on maintaining species diversity within their natural habitats and away from them, respectively. Currently, the National Gene Bank protects 4.52 lakh accessions, out of which 2.7 lakh are Indian germplasm, and the rest have been imported from other countries. An accession refers to a single, collected variety or cultivar of a wild plant, landrace, or selectively bred plant variety.
Functional Capacities of the National Gene Bank
The National Gene Bank provides four types of facilities: Seed Genebank (-18°C), Cryogenebank (-170°C to -196°C), In vitro Genebank (25°C), and Field Genebank to support both long-term and medium-term conservation. These facilities host various crop groups such as cereals, millets, medicinal and aromatic plants, and narcotics.
National and Global Conservation Efforts
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway holds the world’s largest seed collection. India also has its own seed vault located at Chang La in the Ladakh Himalayas. At the national level, the National Animal Gene Bank was established at the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) in Karnal, Haryana, with the aim of conserving indigenous livestock biodiversity.
Significance of Plant Genetic Resources
Plant Genetic Resources are considered the biological foundation of food security, directly or indirectly supporting every person’s livelihood on Earth. Defined as the genetic material of plants valuable as a resource for present and future generations, they include any plant materials like seeds, fruits, cuttings, pollen, and other tissues that can grow into plants. They play a vital role in ensuring food security and have been the backbone of agricultural development for the past 10,000 years.
