Revamped National Gene Bank

Q. Why is this in news?
A. The Union Agriculture Minister has inaugurated the world’s second-largest refurbished gene bank at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources.

Q. What is National Gene Bank?

A. 

• The National Gene Bank was established in the year 1996 to preserve the seeds of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) for future generations.
• It has the capacity to preserve about one million germplasm in the form of seeds.
• Presently it is protecting 4.52 lakh accessions, of which 2.7 lakh are Indian germplasm and the rest have been imported from other countries.
• National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources is meeting the need of in-situ and ex-situ germplasm conservation through Delhi Headquarters and 10 regional stations in the country.

Q. What are the Key facilities provided?

A. 

• The NGB has four kinds of facilities to cater to long-term as well as medium-term conservation namely:

1. Seed Gene bank (- 18°C),
2. Cryo gene bank (-170°C to -196°C),
3. In-vitro Gene bank (25°C), and
4. Field Gene bank

• It stores different crop groups such as cereals, millets, medicinal and aromatic plants, and narcotics, etc.

Q. What is the latest update?

A.

• This is the world’s second-largest gene bank located in the national capital.
• It has the capacity to preserve about one million germplasm in the form of seeds.
• Presently, it is protecting 4.52 lakh accessions, of which 2.7 lakh are Indian germplasm and the rest have been imported from other countries.