Government Announces Second National Gene Bank to Bolster Food Security
New Delhi, March 28, 2025 – In a significant step towards agricultural innovation and biodiversity conservation, the government has announced the establishment of the second National Gene Bank. The initiative aims to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm to ensure future food and nutritional security. This move aligns with the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26.
The existing National Gene Bank (NGB), housed at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi, is the world’s second-largest gene bank. It currently preserves 4,71,561 accessions from 2,157 species. The stored plant genetic resources are accessible to both public and private sector agencies engaged in crop improvement and genetic resource management.
The second gene bank, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, will further strengthen India’s leadership in global biodiversity conservation. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s ability to safeguard genetic diversity and support agricultural sustainability.
The announcement was made by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha today.
