As part of the Union Budget for 2025–2026, the central government has disclosed plans to establish a second National Gene Bank (NGB) with the theme "Investing in Innovation."

A Gene Bank: What Is It?

With an emphasis on seeds, tissues, and DNA, a gene bank is a biological repository devoted to the preservation of genetic materials from microorganisms, plants, and animals. To preserve the long-term viability of agricultural crops, germplasm—which includes viable plant materials like seeds—must be carefully stored in controlled environments.

Bank Type | Contents Stored | Illustration --- | --- | ---

ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi Seed Bank | Seeds stored under controlled conditions Field Gene Bank | Live plants grown in the field | For perennial crops like mango Cryobank | Genetic materials preserved at extremely low temperatures (e.g., -196°C in liquid nitrogen) | DNA, pollen, embryos

DNA Bank | In Vitro Bank | Purified DNA samples | Used in genetic research | Tissue Bank | Plant tissues preserved in nutrient media I Tissue Culture

Need

Preserving one million crop germplasm is the aim of the recently established National Gene Bank (NGB). These genetic resources are essential for managing genetic resources and improving crop development. With its cutting-edge facilities, the new Gene Bank seeks to strengthen India's conservation capabilities. Future food security depends on preserving genetic diversity and promoting sustainable farming methods, both of which are greatly aided by this initiative.

Did You Know?

The ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi is home to the first National Gene Bank. With 471,561 accessions from 2,157 different species, it is regarded as the second-largest gene bank in the world.