The government has announced the establishment of India’s second National Gene Bank to conserve 1 million crop germplasm, ensuring future food and nutritional security. This initiative aligns with the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26. 

India’s first National Gene Bank (NGB) at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, is currently the second-largest gene bank globally, preserving 4,71,561 accessions of 2,157 species. The genetic resources stored in the NGB are available for public and private sector institutions engaged in crop improvement and genetic resource management. 

The second National Gene Bank, equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, will further strengthen India's position in global biodiversity conservation. This information was shared by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. 

(PIB)