National Advisory Board on Genetic Resources Management Roadmap for Strengthening Conservation and Sustainable Use of India's Agricultural Diversity
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The newly reconstituted National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources (NABMGR) held its first meeting on July 29, 2026, to strengthen conservation and sustainable use of India's agricultural genetic diversity. The board emphasized integrated management of plant, animal, fish, microbial, and insect genetic resources to support Viksit Bharat and climate-resilient agriculture.
Background
NABMGR was first constituted in 2011 under the chairmanship of Dr. R.S. Paroda. In 2026, ICAR reconstituted the board under Dr. Paroda's chairmanship and Dr. M.L. Jat as co-chairman. The board brings together experts and stakeholders to recommend national policies and strategies on agricultural biodiversity.
Key facts
NABMGR held its first meeting on July 29, 2026, at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Delhi.
The board focuses on integrated management of plant, animal, fish, microbial, and insect genetic resources.
India's rich diversity of genetic resources is a national strategic asset for food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Paroda emphasized using conserved germplasm (including wild relatives) to widen genetic base and develop climate-resilient, high-performing varieties and breeds.
The first International Agricultural Biodiversity Congress was held in 2016, inaugurated by PM Modi, adopting the Delhi Declaration on Agricultural Biodiversity.
Dr. Paroda stressed strengthening international cooperation for access to genetic resources, especially with Central and Southeast Asian countries.
He advocated for a legal framework for protecting breeders' and farmers' rights for animal and fish genetic resources, similar to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act.
Dr. Jat highlighted integrating genetic resource management with soil science, digital agriculture, and crop improvement for climate-resilient, location-specific production systems.
Prelims pointers
- NABMGR: National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources
- ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- NBPGR: National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPV&FR Act)
- Delhi Declaration on Agricultural Biodiversity (2016)
- Viksit Bharat: Developed India vision
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of genetic resources in achieving food security and climate-resilient agriculture in India.
- Critically examine the need for a legal framework for animal and fish genetic resources similar to the PPV&FR Act.
- Evaluate the importance of international cooperation in accessing genetic resources for agricultural development.