Gene Bank to Be Established for Future Food Security and Biodiversity Conservation, Boosting the Agricultural Sector

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, while addressing a post-budget webinar via video conferencing today, announced the establishment of a new Gene Bank in India. This initiative aims to ensure food security and preserve genetic resources for future generations, providing a significant boost to the agricultural sector.

The establishment of the second National Gene Bank will strengthen India’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation. This move will enhance the long-term sustainability of agriculture and further empower farmers by safeguarding critical genetic resources.

India Strengthening Role in Global Biodiversity Conservation:

The Government of India, in the 2025-26 Budget, has announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank. This new facility will have the capacity to store 1 million (10 lakh) germplasm lines, strengthening genetic resource management in both the public and private sectors.

This initiative will further enhance India’s role in global biodiversity conservation. The new Gene Bank will not only preserve India’s invaluable plant genetic resources but also contribute to international biodiversity initiatives, offering conservation support to SAARC and BRICS nations that lack well-established genetic resource networks.

What is a Gene Bank?

A Gene Bank is a repository of genetic material, including seeds, pollen, and tissue samples, collected from different plant species to prevent extinction and preserve genetic diversity for future use.

India First Gene Bank and Its Contributions:

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 operates through 12 regional centers across the country, collecting and preserving important crop germplasms.

Current Status of Genetic Resource Conservation:

As of January 15, 2025, India's first Gene Bank has preserved 0.47 million (4.7 lakh) germplasm accessions, including:

1. Cereals: 0.17 million (1.7 lakh) accessions
2. Millets: Over 60,600 accessions
3. Legumes: Over 69,200 accessions
4. Oilseeds: More than 63,500 accessions
5. Vegetables: Nearly 30,000 accessions

Why is a Second Gene Bank Needed?

India is a biodiversity-rich country, home to 811 cultivated crop species and 902 crop wild relatives. However, climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical challenges pose serious threats to food security and genetic diversity. The second Gene Bank will be a crucial step toward ensuring agricultural resilience, productivity, and long-term food security.

Key Features and Benefits of the Second Gene Bank:

1. Food Security: The Gene Bank will help agricultural researchers, scientists, and breeders develop high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties.
2. Climate-Resilient Crops: It will support the conservation of traditional and rare plant species, ensuring resilience against climate change.
3. International Collaboration: The facility will strengthen global biodiversity conservation efforts and provide support to other countries.
4. Boosting Agricultural Innovation: By facilitating research in new seed varieties and crop breeding, the Gene Bank will help farmers improve productivity and profitability.