India is setting up its second National Crop Gene Bank in Keylong, Himachal Pradesh, with an investment of ₹500 crore. The facility will conserve up to 10 lakh germplasm samples, serving as a strategic backup to Delhi’s existing gene bank. Keylong’s natural cold climate ensures energy-efficient, long-term preservation of biodiversity.
India has announced the establishment of a second National Crop Gene Bank in Keylong, Himachal Pradesh, aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and biodiversity conservation. The ₹500 crore facility will complement the existing gene bank in New Delhi, which already houses over 4.7 lakh accessions of plant species.
The Keylong location was chosen for its natural cold climate, which reduces energy costs for storage and ensures long-term preservation of germplasm. The new gene bank will have the capacity to conserve 10 lakh germplasm samples, making it one of the largest globally.
This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to safeguard food and nutritional security, support crop improvement programs, and reinforce its leadership in global biodiversity conservation.
Key Highlights:
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Investment: ₹500 crore
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Location: Keylong, Himachal Pradesh
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Capacity: 10 lakh germplasm samples
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Purpose: Backup to Delhi’s gene bank, ensuring resilience and redundancy
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Climate Advantage: Naturally cold conditions enable energy-efficient storage
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Strategic Impact: Strengthens India’s role in global biodiversity and food security efforts
The facility is expected to be operational by end of 2027, providing a robust safeguard for India’s invaluable plant genetic resources.
Sources: ScanX News, ICAR Circular, Press Information Bureau