UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02nd April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Government to set up second national Gene Bank to ensure future food security

Government to set up second national Gene Bank to ensure future food security

The second National Gene Bank aims to enhance India’s capacity for conserving agricultural biodiversity and ensuring long-term food security.

The central government has announced the establishment of the second National Gene Bank (NGB) as part of its commitment to ensuring long-term food and nutritional security.
This initiative falls under the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26 and aims to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm for future generations.

The first National Gene Bank, located at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in New Delhi, holds the distinction of being the second-largest gene bank in the world.
It currently houses 4,71,561 accessions from 2,157 species.
These plant genetic resources play a crucial role in the improvement of crops and the management of genetic diversity, aiding both public and private sector agencies engaged in agricultural development and research.
The establishment of the second NGB is a significant step towards enhancing India’s capacity to conserve a diverse range of plant genetic resources.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, agricultural sustainability, and long-term food security.

Expansion of Genetic Resource Conservation: The new facility will enable the storage and preservation of a larger variety of crop germplasm, ensuring the availability of diverse genetic material for future agricultural advancements.
Strengthening India’s Role in Global Biodiversity Conservation: With state-of-the-art infrastructure, the second NGB will position India as a leader in global efforts to safeguard genetic resources.
Enhancing Crop Improvement and Research: The preserved germplasm will be accessible to research institutions and private sector agencies, facilitating innovations in crop breeding, resilience, and productivity.
Ensuring Sustainable Agricultural Practices: By conserving a wider variety of genetic material, the gene bank will contribute to the development of climate-resilient and high-yield crops, essential for sustainable agriculture.

The establishment of the second NGB aligns with India’s broader vision of agricultural innovation and sustainability.
This move is expected to bolster national food security efforts, mitigate the risks posed by climate change, and support the growing demand for diverse and nutritious crops.
As India takes proactive steps in preserving its rich agricultural heritage, the second National Gene Bank will serve as a cornerstone for future agricultural resilience, ensuring that genetic resources remain safeguarded for the benefit of future generations.