National Genebank of India
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Summary
The National Genebank of India is a vital institution dedicated to the conservation, evaluation, and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources (PGR) essential for ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability in the country. Established in 1977 under the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), it serves as a repository for diverse genetic material, including traditional varieties, landraces, and wild relatives, reflecting India's rich agricultural biodiversity.
The genebank is recognized globally for its role in preserving genetic diversity amid challenges such as climate change, which threatens traditional farming systems and crop resilience.
The genebank’s objectives encompass conserving plant genetic resources, supporting agricultural improvement, promoting fair benefit-sharing among farmers, and fostering research collaboration to enhance food security.
Notably, it engages in innovative projects such as the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development (BOLD) Project, aimed at enhancing crop diversity and nutrition security through global partnerships.
Despite its successes, the National Genebank faces significant challenges, including the loss of agricultural biodiversity due to industrial farming practices, sustainability issues within community seed banks, and the need for robust governance to navigate intellectual property rights concerns associated with genetic resources.
As the second-largest gene bank in the world, the National Genebank of India is crucial not only for preserving genetic resources but also for ensuring that these resources are utilized effectively to address emerging agricultural challenges.
History
Early Development (1940s - 1976)
The organized conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR) in India can be traced back to the 1940s, starting with the Botany Division of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Initially named the Plant Introduction section in 1946, it evolved into the Plant Introduction and Exploration Organization in 1956, and then the Plant Introduction Division in 1961, all of which were led by Dr. Har Bhajan Singh.
The growing importance of PGR management led to the establishment of the National Bureau of Plant Introduction in 1976, which was later renamed the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in January 1977, marking a significant step in India's commitment to preserving its rich genetic diversity.
Expansion and Global Recognition (1976 - 1985)
The period from 1976 to 1985 was pivotal for NBPGR as it garnered international collaboration and significantly strengthened its infrastructural capabilities. The establishment of the Bhowali Regional Station facilitated the Bureau's PGR activities in sub-tropical and sub-temperate regions, complemented by the creation of base centers in Cuttack, Hyderabad, and Ranchi to enhance the collection and evaluation of diverse crop varieties across India's varied agro-climatic zones.
During this time, the INDO-USAID PGR Project was initiated in 1988, further cementing NBPGR's role on a global scale.
Modern Initiatives and Challenges (2006 - Present)
Since 2006, NBPGR has implemented several significant initiatives aimed at addressing national priorities in biodiversity conservation, sustainable community development, and molecular biosystematics. Notably, the establishment of the National Genomic Resource Centre and the support from the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) have played crucial roles in capacity building and effective management of PGR.
Furthermore, the importance of community seed banks has been recognized, highlighting the essential contributions of smallholder farmers to the conservation and utilization of local diversity.
The BOLD Project, launched in 2021 and funded by the Government of Norway, aims to enhance food and nutrition security globally by safeguarding crop diversity and supporting the development of new crop varieties.
As of 2022, the project includes pre-breeding partnerships with various international stakeholders and supports on-farm trials to ensure the effective adoption of novel crop diversity.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the National Gene Bank in India are centered around the conservation, evaluation, and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources (PGR) to ensure food security and agricultural sustainability.
Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources
One of the main aims of the National Gene Bank is to conserve a diverse range of plant genetic resources. This includes not only advanced cultivars but also traditional varieties, landraces, and wild relatives, all of which contribute to agrobiodiversity.
By preserving these genetic resources, the gene bank helps maintain the genetic diversity necessary for future agricultural resilience, particularly in the face of climate change and environmental pressures.
Support for Agricultural Improvement
The gene bank provides vital plant genetic resources for both public and private sectors involved in crop improvement and genetic conservation.
This support facilitates the development of new crop varieties that are better adapted to changing climatic conditions and local farming needs.
Through these contributions, the gene bank plays a critical role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Fair Distribution of Benefits
In line with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act of 2001, the National Gene Bank aims to ensure a fair distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources. This includes providing financial incentives to farmers and institutions engaged in biodiversity conservation, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices.
Facilitating Research and Collaboration
The National Gene Bank is committed to fostering research and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the understanding and management of plant genetic resources. By engaging in partnerships with various stakeholders, including local communities, researchers, and agricultural organizations, the gene bank can better address the needs of food security and conservation efforts.
Emergency Response and Food Security
The gene bank serves as a safety net for farmers during times of food shortages and adverse weather conditions. By maintaining a reserve of diverse crop varieties, it enables farmers to access quality seeds that are crucial for replanting and sustaining agricultural productivity during crises.
This role is particularly important in the context of climate change, where unpredictable weather patterns may threaten traditional farming systems.
Education and Awareness
Another objective is to raise awareness about the importance of plant genetic resources and their conservation. Through educational initiatives and outreach programs, the National Gene Bank seeks to inform farmers, policymakers, and the general public about the value of agrobiodiversity for food security and environmental sustainability.
Structure and Organization
The structure and organization of the National Genebank in India are essential for its effective operation and the fulfillment of its mandate in plant genetic resource (PGR) management. The governance framework is designed to ensure that the genebank operates efficiently, with a clear hierarchy and defined responsibilities.
Governing Body
The National Genebank is overseen by a governing board, which is responsible for strategic decision-making and policy formulation. This board includes representatives from various stakeholders in the agricultural and research sectors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to PGR management. The board is tasked with reviewing and approving operational policies, assessing the effectiveness of PGR activities, and maintaining alignment with national agricultural priorities.
Administrative Structure
The administrative structure of the National Genebank comprises several divisions, each focusing on specific areas of PGR management.
Research and Development
This division is responsible for conducting research related to the conservation, characterization, and utilization of plant genetic resources. It engages in collaborative projects with national and international research institutions to enhance the genebank's scientific capabilities.
Conservation and Storage
The conservation and storage division manages the collection and preservation of genetic material. This includes both ex situ and in situ conservation strategies, with a focus on maintaining the viability of seeds and other plant materials. Advanced storage techniques and monitoring protocols are implemented to ensure the longevity and health of the collections.
Community Engagement
A key aspect of the genebank's strategy is the engagement with local farming communities. This division works to promote the use of native plant varieties and supports community seed banks, facilitating the sharing of traditional knowledge and practices related to crop diversity. Such initiatives aim to empower farmers and enhance the resilience of local food systems.
Key Programs and Initiatives
Capacity Building
Programs focused on capacity building aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of stakeholders involved in PGR management. This includes training sessions, workshops, and collaborative research initiatives designed to disseminate best practices and innovative techniques in biodiversity conservation.
Strategic Planning
The genebank follows a long-term strategic plan that is reviewed and updated regularly. This plan outlines the objectives, goals, and initiatives for the institution over a five-year horizon, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the agricultural sector and environmental challenges.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Overview of Collaborative Efforts
National genebanks, including those in India, actively engage in partnerships with various organizations and initiatives to enhance the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources. These collaborations are crucial for fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and building capacity within the agricultural sector.
International Collaborations
Crop Trust and BOLD Project
The Crop Trust, through the Biodiversity for Opportunities, Livelihoods and Development (BOLD) Project, has been instrumental in strengthening national genebanks across different regions, including India. The project has facilitated external reviews of 15 national genebanks, including those in Ecuador and Peru, and has established agreements for crop pre-breeding projects involving alfalfa, barley, durum wheat, finger millet, grasspea, potato, and rice.
This initiative supports on-farm trials and participatory activities to promote the effective development and adoption of novel crop diversity, encompassing partnerships in 45 countries.
Global Genebank Network
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) operates regional genebanks and collaborates with national genebanks to facilitate the sharing of genetic resources. The ICRISAT Genebank, for instance, has repatriated over 55,000 accessions to national programs and distributed seed samples globally, strengthening international collaboration in crop improvement and research.
Regional Partnerships
Genebank Strengthening in South Asia
In South Asia, genebanks in countries like Bhutan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh benefit from the technical support and expertise of international organizations. These collaborations focus on enhancing the conservation, management, and use of crop diversity, ensuring that local farmers and researchers have access to vital genetic resources.
Local Initiatives
Local organizations such as the Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research, and Development (LI-BIRD) in Nepal have also contributed to the success of community seed banks (CSBs), which facilitate sharing of traditional knowledge and farmer rights related to crop diversity. These models serve as examples for genebanks in India and surrounding regions, promoting participatory management of genetic resources.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
National genebanks, through their partnerships, play a vital role in capacity building and knowledge sharing among national agricultural research systems. These initiatives empower scientists and researchers by providing access to genetic resources and facilitating training in crop management and breeding techniques.
For example, collaborations with the James Hutton Institute in the UK have focused on data management to optimize the use of genetic resources across different regions.
Emergency Response and Support
In times of crisis, such as natural disasters, national genebanks have been able to secure emergency funds to ensure continued operation and support local economies. For instance, the Emergency Reserve provided necessary funds for maintenance and equipment replacement at the Yemen national genebank, ensuring its operational capacity during challenging circumstances.
Such initiatives underscore the importance of robust partnerships in safeguarding agricultural biodiversity.
Accountability and Review
To maintain high standards of governance, the genebank regularly reviews its bylaws and policies. An essential part of this process involves assessing the effectiveness of its board and administrative functions through feedback from stakeholders and independent evaluations.
Collections
Overview of Genetic Resources
The National Genebank of India houses a diverse collection of plant genetic resources (PGR) essential for agricultural sustainability and food security. Its germplasm collection includes advanced cultivars, primitive landraces, domesticates, semi-domesticates, and wild relatives. This diversity spans across ecosystems and agroecosystems used in agriculture and forestry, reflecting the complex interactions between human activity and biodiversity.
Types of Collections
Long-Term and Medium-Term Collections
As of December 2018, the National Genebank had 502,173 accessions, managed through a national conservation system that includes:
• 1 long-term genebank • • 1 duplication genebank • • 10 medium-term genebanks • • Several germplasm nurseries • This system ensures long-term preservation of genetic material, with a focus on species critical to food security and agricultural resilience.
Community Seed Banks
Community seed banks, such as the Guzhai seed bank, contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation. This seed bank focuses on:
• Domestication of wild vegetables • • Hybridization of local crops • • Distributing traditional varieties to villagers, with the expectation of seed return after harvest • By December 2018, 89 villagers were actively participating in these conservation efforts.
Crop Wild Relatives
Crop wild relatives (CWRs) form a vital part of the genebank collections. They are reservoirs of unique alleles useful in breeding programs for:
• Disease resistance • • Environmental adaptability • • Nutritional enhancement •
Data Management and Curation
The Genebank Information Management System (GBIMS) tracks:
• Viability • • Moisture content • • Seed quantity • • Storage conditions • This system integrates taxonomic and passport data, enabling effective accession monitoring and regeneration. Data curation supports modern breeding programs by harnessing traditional varieties' valuable traits.
Seed Quality Control
To ensure germplasm integrity, the genebank enforces strict quality checks during:
• Harvesting • • Packing • • Storage • All seeds undergo purity and germination tests in government-certified labs before distribution. These steps guarantee high-quality seeds for farmers, enhancing crop yield and resilience.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The National Genebank collaborates with community seed banks and research institutions. Future plans include conserving up to 1 million crop germplasm accessions, aligning with goals to preserve biodiversity and strengthen food security amid climate change challenges.
Conservation Techniques
In-Situ Conservation
This technique preserves crop diversity on-farm, involving farmers and tribal communities. It supports:
• Natural evolution and adaptation of crops • • Use of traditional knowledge for sustainable conservation •
Ex-Situ Conservation
Managed by the Division of Germplasm Conservation (DGC), the National Genebank (established in 1996, New Delhi) is the second-largest globally, housing 4.71 lakh accessions from 2,157 species. Methods used include:
• Seed storage • • Tissue culture • • Cryopreservation •
Seed Storage
The DGC regularly monitors seed viability and quantity. Strategies include both traditional and modern storage techniques to ensure genetic stability.
Cryopreservation
Cryogenebanks preserve seeds and vegetative material at ultra-low temperatures. This method is crucial for clonally propagated and recalcitrant seed species. Research continues to refine protocols for a wider range of species.
In Vitro Conservation
This method maintains plant tissues in controlled environments. The National Facility for Plant Tissue Culture Repository (NFPTCR) supports conservation of genetically stable material for breeding and research.
Community Involvement
Community seed banks (CSBs) promote:
• Conservation of local diversity • • Equitable benefit-sharing • • Preservation of traditional knowledge • New initiatives aim to integrate CSBs into broader genebank strategies using modern technology while aligning with international treaties like the CBD and ITPGRFA.
Research and Monitoring
The DGC undertakes research on:
• Seed longevity and dormancy • • Germination and storage behavior • Regular evaluations ensure genetic stability and health of the collections, securing these resources for future use.
Research and Development Activities
Overview of Initiatives
Since the mid-2000s, India has prioritized R&D in plant genetic resources through:
• National Genomic Resource Centre • • National Agriculture Innovation Project (NAIP) • These focus on biodiversity conservation, sustainable community development, and data management.
Role of Genebanks
Genebanks act as:
• Providers of genetic traits for breeding • • Custodians of crop diversity • The ICAR and NBPGR oversee these efforts to preserve, characterize, and distribute diverse crop varieties.
Crop Improvement Programs
Diverse germplasm from genebanks supports breeding of:
• High-yielding • • Climate-resilient varieties • This contributes significantly to food security and agricultural sustainability.
Capacity Building
Programs are in place to train regional and national partners in:
• Biosafety and biosecurity • • Seed variety distribution • • Farmer empowerment and agro-biodiversity •
Agroforestry and Ecosystem Services
Agroforestry research using species like Calliandra and Gliricidia has shown benefits in:
• Soil fertility • • Food security • • Household income •
Community Engagement
The Farmers’ Field School (FFS) approach used by CSBs encourages:
• Use of traditional varieties • • Knowledge-sharing among farmers • Demonstration gardens have also helped farmers adopt improved practices, increasing yields.
Backup and Security Measures
Initiatives include regenerating and backing up material in secure locations like:
• Svalbard Global Seed Vault • • Crop Trust-supported efforts with $33 million in grants (2021) •
Partnerships and Collaborations
International Collaborations
Crop Trust and BOLD Project
The BOLD project has:
• Reviewed 15 national genebanks • • Supported pre-breeding projects for crops like barley, potato, and rice • • Engaged 45 countries in on-farm trials and participatory activities •
Global Genebank Network
ICARDA and ICRISAT collaborate globally, sharing genetic resources and repatriating accessions to national programs (e.g., over 55,000 by ICRISAT).
Regional Partnerships
South Asian countries like Bhutan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh benefit from technical support to improve conservation and germplasm management.
Local Initiatives
Organizations like LI-BIRD (Nepal) support CSBs and facilitate knowledge-sharing and participatory management of crop diversity.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
Genebanks collaborate with institutions like the James Hutton Institute (UK) to improve data management and training for researchers and scientists.
Emergency Response and Support
Emergency funds help genebanks operate during crises. For example, the Yemen national genebank received support for maintenance and equipment during conflict.
Challenges and Issues
Loss of Agricultural Biodiversity
The shift to industrial agriculture has led to genetic erosion. Rice varieties, for instance, declined from 400,000 (pre-colonization) to 30,000 by the 19th century. High-yielding varieties have overshadowed traditional agricultural practices critical for ecological balance and resilience.
Sustainability of Community Seed Banks
Many CSBs face financial challenges after donor projects end. Long-term viability depends on scaling successful models and securing robust support systems.
Policy and Governance Challenges
Public policy often fails to support germplasm conservation. Cases like the Syngenta-IGKVV deal have sparked concerns about farmer sovereignty and public sector integrity.
Climate Change and Adaptation
Diverse genetic resources are needed to combat new stresses from climate change. Revitalizing resilient landraces and engaging local communities in conservation is critical but complex to coordinate.
Economic Constraints
Funding is a major hurdle. Despite receiving substantial international grants, national efforts rely heavily on external support. The economic value of biodiversity is underrecognized, leading to underinvestment in its preservation.
Future Directions
Enhancing Biodiversity Conservation
The future of India’s National Genebank (NGB) hinges on bolstering agricultural biodiversity and safeguarding genetic resources critical for sustainable farming and crop resilience.
As the second-largest gene bank globally, the NGB aims to facilitate the conservation of diverse plant genetic resources (PGRs) while contributing to international biodiversity initiatives such as those under SAARC and BRICS.
With the establishment of a second national gene bank announced in the Union Budget 2025–26, India seeks to double its capacity to conserve germplasm lines, thus enhancing its gene banking capabilities.
Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Community Involvement
Future initiatives must emphasize the integration of communities involved in the conservation of local diversity through community seed banks (CSBs). These CSBs play a vital role in preserving landraces and facilitating on-farm conservation, which is essential for adapting crops to changing climate patterns.
The new gene bank is expected to adopt modern technologies for evaluating and developing local varieties while complying with international legal instruments such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
Addressing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Concerns
As the landscape of plant genetic resource management evolves, it is crucial to navigate the complex implications of IPR. Collaborations with multinational corporations (MNCs) have raised concerns among farmer communities, especially regarding the control and ownership of germplasm that has been cultivated for generations.
Future strategies should ensure fair distribution of benefits derived from genetic resources, promoting sustainable farming practices that do not exploit local farmers or erode traditional knowledge.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing
The NGB must prioritize capacity building and knowledge sharing among national and regional partners to improve the management of PGR, including biosafety and biosecurity issues.
Establishing a robust framework for joint efforts between national genebanks and local communities will enhance seed distribution to breeders, scientists, and global researchers, thereby fostering agricultural innovation and resilience against climate change.
Technological Advancements and Research Collaboration
Advancements in molecular biosystematics and participatory plant breeding (PPB) can drive the development of climate-resilient varieties essential for future food security.
Collaborative research initiatives that engage both scientific communities and local farmers will be critical in adapting to the challenges posed by climate variability. The NGB is positioned to facilitate such collaborations, strengthening both national and international partnerships in crop improvement and conservation efforts.
