National Gene Bank

The National Gene Bank, located in New Delhi was refurbished and upgraded with state of the art technology, making it the World’s second largest Gene Bank, the largest being in Norway.

It was inaugurated in August 2021 by the Government at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources in New Delhi.

• The National Gene Bank was established in the year 1996 to preserve the seeds of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) for future generations.
• Capacity: It has the capacity to store about one million germplasm in the form of seeds. As of December 2021, it is protecting 4.9 lakh accessions, including Indian germplasm and imported germplasm.

Benefits of Seed Bank

• It will conserve and preserve diversity of indigenous crops in the country.
• Genetic strains of food as well as commercial plants can be stored for long periods, preventing biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Thus, it is important for ensuring food security, simultaneously increasing the farmer’s income.
• It will aid the development of bio-fortified crop varieties, which India needs to fight malnutrition.