Narendra Tomar Inaugurates World's Second-Largest Refurbished Gene Bank at NBPGR

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar on 16 August 2021 inaugurated the Second Largest Advanced National Gene Bank at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa, Delhi.

The minister praised Indian farmers for quickly dealing with various challenges in the agricultural sector. Underlining Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s vision to benefit the farming community, Tomar asserted Centre’s commitment to frame different farmers’ friendly policies and schemes in the direction.

Highlighting immense contributions of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Prof. B.P. Pal and Prof. Harbhajan Singh, the agriculture minister emphasized on the foundation stones laid by them for the protection of crop varieties. Outlining the vividness of Indian traditions, Tomar urged to prosper more to ensure a better future for the generations to come. He regarded the National Gene Bank as an advanced step in the direction. Stressing on the need of Biofortified Crops, the minister underlined Central Government’s initiatives taken in collaboration with the farmers to efficiently deal with the problems being faced.

He further said, “The efficient steps taken-up by the Government together with the agricultural scientists and farmers have made the country self-reliant in food crops production”.

Tomar also released the Bureau’s Publications and launched the PGR Map App during the occasion. He applauded the unparalleled contributions made by Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Former Director, ICAR-NBPGR.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Kailash Choudhary highlighted the benefits of the Advanced National Gene Bank equipped with latest technologies for the agriculture sector. He asserted the government’s commitment to realize the vision of the Prime Minister to make the farmers self-dependent.

Principal Scientist, NBPGR, Satish Yadav told Krishi Jagran that the “National Gene Bank is one of the largest in the world which is located in National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa campus. Presently it has more than 4.6 lakh accessions conserved of various agri horticulture crops with a capacity to accommodate around 10 lakh germplasm accessions. The seed of different crops are conserved here to combat against biotic and abiotic stresses. National Gene Bank caters the need of plant breeders, researchers, students, public and private sectors across the country. The seeds here are conserved under a controlled temperature and humidity conditions for use in future. Moreover, seed supply from the National Gene Bank is done by signing a material transfer agreement and Gex 01 form as per ICAR guidelines. These seeds are collected through exploration programmes across the country with specific exploration and collection mission”.

In his welcome address, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR), Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra outlined the Bureau’s activities and achievements.  Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR , Dr. Tilak Raj Sharma along with the senior officials of ICAR-NBPGR and Staff Members were also present during the occasion.