Strategic Role of National Gene Bank in India's Agricultural Biodiversity
The debate around gene banks reflects the tension between conserving agricultural biodiversity as a "preventive tool" for future adaptability and the immediate demands of "curative innovation" for crop enhancement. Gene banks are crucial for addressing agricultural vulnerabilities caused by climate change, genetic uniformity, and pest/disease threats. India's announcement of a second National Gene Bank aligns with its dual objectives of food security and sustainable agriculture — key goals under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
UPSC Relevance Snapshot
- GS-III: Science & Technology – Applications of biotechnology, Conservation practices.
- GS-III: Environment – Biodiversity, Climate adaptation.
- Essay: Topics on Food Security and Climate Change.
Arguments FOR Expanding National Gene Bank Infrastructure
The case for a second National Gene Bank is rooted in the need to future-proof India's agricultural systems in the face of changing environmental and economic conditions. Gene conservation complements scientific research for developing climate-resilient crops and mitigating risks of crop loss due to genetic erosion.
- Agro-Biodiversity Preservation: India is home to approximately 30,000 plant species, out of which around 7,500 are edible. Expanding gene banks ensures the preservation of this rich diversity.
- National Food Security: NFHS-5 data indicates that over 25% of rural households are food-insecure. Conserving germplasm directly supports breeding programs for higher-yield, nutrient-rich crops.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Genetic resources stored in seed banks aid researchers in developing biotic and abiotic stress-resilient varieties, critical for addressing the 50% decline in agricultural productivity expected by 2050 due to climate change (NITI Aayog).
- Technology Integration: A second NGB will house state-of-the-art cryogenic storage, potentially conforming to global standards like those followed by Svalbard Seed Vault in Norway.
- Compliance with Global Conventions: India's efforts align with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
Arguments AGAINST Overreliance on Gene Banks
While National Gene Banks are indispensable for biodiversity preservation, critics argue that they are not a standalone solution. Challenges related to governance, accessibility, and long-term maintenance must be addressed for their optimal utility.
- Accessibility Issues: Despite India's existing gene bank holding over 4,71,561 samples, many indigenous farmers face difficulties accessing these genetic resources for their cropping needs.
- Sustainability Concerns: Cryogenic storage is energy-intensive. CAG's 2023 audits highlight inefficiencies in energy utilization within agricultural institutions.
- Overemphasis on Static Conservation: Some scientists argue that in situ conservation (on-site biodiversity preservation) using "field gene banks" is often more effective than ex situ (off-site) methods for maintaining ecological systems.
- Limited Adaptive Breeding: Existing infrastructure has not succeeded substantially in bridging the gap between preserved germplasm and field-ready hybrid seeds. Only 5-7% of stored seeds in ICAR-NBPGR have contributed to practical breeding programs (Economic Survey 2022-23).
- Centralized Approach: Focusing on centralized gene banks may neglect critical regional and crop-specific biodiversity, especially for crops like millets and pulses.
India vs Global Approaches: Conservation and Utilization Models
| Factor | India (ICAR-NBPGR & Second NGB) | Global Example (Svalbard Seed Vault, Norway) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Capacity | 4,71,561 accessions; 10 lakh crop germplasm proposed | Over 1 million seed samples stored |
| Preservation Mechanism | Primarily cryogenic and seed storage | Backup cryogenic storage for global gene banks |
| Regional Focus | Focuses on Indian crop species and agro-climatic zones | Global repository with contributions from over 80 nations |
| Energy Consumption | High energy requirements (CAG's 2023 report) | Eco-friendly design with permafrost aiding natural cooling |
| Access and Utilization | Limited accessibility for farmers | Primary use during global crises like war or disasters |
What the Latest Evidence Shows
The Union Budget 2025-26 announcement of a second National Gene Bank is expected to enhance storage capacity and infrastructure for conserving up to 10 lakh crop germplasm. This comes at a time when global climate anomalies are threatening staple crops like wheat and rice. Additionally, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) now includes a component for integrating regional gene banks to better align local agricultural practices with biodiversity conservation.
Recent reports, such as FAO's 2023 "State of the World's Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture", emphasize integrating indigenous knowledge with modern breeding programs. India's second NGB can potentially bridge this gap if governance bottlenecks are addressed.
Structured Assessment
- Policy Design: Creation of decentralized regional micro-gene banks could complement the centralized model, aligning more closely with local biodiversity challenges.
- Governance Capacity: Implementation efficiency will depend on robust energy management, transparent accessibility mechanisms, and integration with state agricultural universities.
- Behavioural/Structural Factors: investments in farmer awareness programs are critical for enhancing the utilization of conserved germplasm by growers at the grassroots level.
Exam Integration
- What is the primary difference between a seed bank and an in vitro gene bank?
- a) In vitro banks store seeds, while seed banks store plants.
- b) Seed banks are located in fields, while in vitro banks store frozen germplasm.
- c) Seed banks focus on germplasm in controlled conditions, while in vitro focuses on plant tissues.
- d) Seed banks only preserve DNA while in vitro banks use cryogenics.
- India's National Gene Bank aligns most closely with which international treaty?
- a) The Paris Agreement
- b) The Nagoya Protocol
- c) The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
- d) The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement
Practice Questions for UPSC
Prelims Practice Questions
- Statement 1: The second National Gene Bank will solely rely on cryogenic storage techniques.
- Statement 2: The primary aim of the National Gene Bank includes supporting breeding programs for nutritious crops.
- Statement 3: The National Gene Bank addresses issues of genetic uniformity and pest threats in agriculture.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- Statement 1: Accessibility issues can hinder farmers from utilizing genetic resources.
- Statement 2: The energy consumption for cryogenic storage is minimal.
- Statement 3: In situ conservation methods are generally less effective than ex situ conservation.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dual objectives of India's National Gene Bank?
The dual objectives of India's National Gene Bank are to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. These goals are integral to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring a resilient agricultural system.
Why is the National Gene Bank important for addressing climate change impacts on agriculture?
The National Gene Bank is pivotal in combating agricultural vulnerabilities associated with climate change. By conserving diverse genetic resources, it supports the development of climate-resilient crops that can withstand biotic and abiotic stresses.
What are the criticisms of relying solely on gene banks for biodiversity preservation?
Critics argue that overreliance on gene banks fails to address issues such as governance challenges, limited accessibility for farmers, and the inefficiencies of energy consumption. Moreover, they advocate for integrating in situ conservation methods as complementary strategies to ensure effective biodiversity maintenance.
How does the second National Gene Bank plan to improve crop biodiversity conservation?
The second National Gene Bank aims to enhance India's storage capacity for plant germplasm to 10 lakh accessions, thereby future-proofing agricultural practices. Additionally, it seeks to integrate regional gene banks, aligning conservation efforts with local agricultural needs and practices.
What role does technology play in the operation of the National Gene Bank?
Technology is crucial for the National Gene Bank as it incorporates state-of-the-art cryogenic storage methods aimed at meeting global preservation standards. This innovation not only ensures better conservation of genetic resources but also aligns with international efforts for biodiversity protection.
Source: LearnPro Editorial | Environmental Ecology | Published: 29 March 2025 | Last updated: 3 March 2026
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