NATIONAL BUREAU OF PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES (NBPGR)
Introduction
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) was established by the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1976 with its headquarters at New Delhi.
Location
NBPGR has its headquarters in New Delhi that hosts the second largest gene bank in
the world.
The operations are administered by Divisions of Plant Exploration and Germplasm
Collection, Germplasm Evaluation, Germplasm Conservation, Genomic Resources,
and Plant Quarantine in addition to the Units of Germplasm Exchange and Tissue
Culture and Cryopreservation.
NBPGR has the network of 10 Regional Stations covering different agro-climatic
zones to carry out PGR activities including collection, characterization, evaluation
and maintenance of various crops.
10 Regional Stations
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Thrissur, Kerela.
Akola Maharashtra.
Shillong, Meghalaya.
Bhowali, Uttarakhand.
Cuttack, Orrisa.
Hyderabad, Telangana.
Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
Mandate
The mandate includes
Sustainable use of PGR.
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Coordination and capacity building in PGR management and policy issues
Molecular profiling of varieties of agri-horticultural crops and GM detection
technology research
Introduction, exchange, and quarantine of PGR.
Objectives
To plan, organize, conduct and coordinate exploration and collection of indigenous
and exotic plant genetic resources.
To undertake introduction, exchange and quarantine of plant genetic resources.
To characterize, evaluate, document and conserve crop genetic resources and promote
their use, in collaboration with other national organizations.
To develop information network on plant genetic resources.
To conduct research, undertake teaching and training, develop guidelines and create
public awareness on plant genetic resources.
Functions
Its functions include:
1. Conservation: Preserving plant genetic resources through ex-situ (e.g., seed banks,
field gene banks) and in-situ (e.g., conservation of natural habitats) methods.
2. Collection: Gathering plant germplasm from various regions to maintain a diverse
collection.
3. Characterization and Evaluation: Assessing the genetic traits, adaptability, and
performance of plant varieties to understand their potential for breeding and research.
4. Documentation: Maintaining detailed records of the plant genetic resources,
including data on their origin, characteristics, and storage conditions.
5. Research: Conducting research on plant genetics, breeding, and related fields to
enhance the use and management of genetic resources.
6. Dissemination: Providing access to plant genetic resources to researchers, breeders,
and other stakeholders, facilitating their use in agricultural and horticultural
development.
7. Capacity Building: Training and educating stakeholders about the importance of
plant genetic resources and best practices for their management.
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8. Policy Support: Advising on policies and strategies related to plant genetic resources
conservation and utilization.
These functions help support agriculture and biodiversity by ensuring the availability and
sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
