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Science and Technology

Second National Gene Bank

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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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