Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Second National Gene Bank

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

As part of the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister announced the establishment of a second National Gene Bank in India.

About the First National Gene Bank

Established in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi.
Functions as India’s primary facility for preserving plant genetic resources (PGRs) to safeguard biodiversity.
Operates through 12 regional stations across the country for collection and storage of vital crop germplasms.
Preserves 0.47 million accessions (plant material for breeding and research) as of January 15, 2025.
Maintains genetic resources using four conservation methods:
- Seed Genebank (-18°C) – Stores seeds for long-term conservation.
- Cryogenebank (-170°C to -196°C) – Preserves plant tissues in liquid nitrogen.
- In-vitro Genebank (25°C) – Maintains plant cultures in controlled environments.
- Field Genebank – Conserves live plants for breeding and research.
Protects diverse crop groups, including cereals, millets, legumes, oilseeds, and vegetables.

About the Second National Gene Bank

It aims to store over 10 lakh germplasm lines to strengthen food and nutritional security.
It will complement the first National Gene Bank and expand genetic conservation capacity.
It is designed to support both public and private sectors in conserving genetic diversity.
Features and Significance:
- Largest conservation facility in India, expanding germplasm storage capacity beyond the existing 0.47 million accessions in the first gene bank.
- Ensures germplasm accessibility for future generations, preventing genetic erosion due to habitat loss or overexploitation.
- Protects India’s agricultural heritage by preserving native, traditional, and rare plant varieties.
- Aligns with global conservation efforts, including India’s Seed Vault in Chang La (Ladakh) and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Norway).
- Promotes ex-situ conservation, ensuring crop diversity for future breeding, research, and sustainable farming.

PYQ:

[2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?

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