Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Germplasm, the genetic material of plants, is fundamental to crop improvement, adaptation to climate change, and food security. Its conservation is crucial in the face of biodiversity loss and evolving agricultural challenges. Both national and international organizations play a vital role in safeguarding this invaluable resource. These organizations employ diverse strategies, ranging from *ex situ* conservation in gene banks to *in situ* conservation in natural habitats. The establishment of these institutions reflects a growing global awareness of the importance of plant genetic resources for present and future generations, particularly highlighted by the FAO’s Global Plan of Action on Plant Genetic Resources.
National Organizations
India has a robust national system for germplasm conservation, primarily spearheaded by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Established in 1976, NBPGR is the nodal agency responsible for the acquisition, evaluation, and conservation of plant genetic resources.
- Gene Banks: NBPGR maintains national gene banks for long-term conservation of seeds, germplasm, and cryopreservation of plant tissues. These banks house collections of over 4.5 lakh accessions representing more than 1500 plant species.
- Exploration and Collection: NBPGR undertakes plant exploration expeditions to collect diverse germplasm from different agro-ecological zones of India, including remote and under-explored areas.
- Evaluation and Documentation: Collected germplasm is meticulously evaluated for various traits, and detailed information is documented in a comprehensive database.
- Distribution: NBPGR provides germplasm to researchers, breeders, and other stakeholders for crop improvement programs.
Besides NBPGR, other national institutions contribute to germplasm conservation:
- Regional Stations of NBPGR: Located in different agro-climatic zones, these stations focus on collecting and conserving germplasm specific to their regions.
- Agricultural Universities and Research Institutes: These institutions maintain germplasm collections of specific crops and contribute to their conservation and utilization.
International Organizations
Several international organizations play a critical role in global germplasm conservation, often collaborating with national institutions.
CGIAR Centers
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) is a global partnership of organizations engaged in agricultural research for development. CGIAR centers maintain significant germplasm collections of major crops:
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines: Holds the world’s largest rice germplasm collection, with over 136,000 accessions.
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico: Maintains collections of maize, wheat, and triticale, crucial for global food security.
- International Potato Center (CIP), Peru: Focuses on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers.
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India: Conserves germplasm of sorghum, pearl millet, chickpea, pigeonpea, and other crops important for dryland agriculture.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Established in 2008 on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure backup facility for seed collections from gene banks worldwide. It is designed to withstand natural and human-induced disasters, ensuring the long-term preservation of crop diversity. As of 2023, it holds over 1.2 million seed samples from nearly every country in the world.
FAO and Biodiversity International
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations promotes the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources through the Global Plan of Action on Plant Genetic Resources. Biodiversity International (formerly the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - IPGRI) conducts research and provides technical assistance on plant genetic resources conservation and utilization.
Comparative Table
| Organization | Scope | Focus | Conservation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBPGR (India) | National | All major crops and wild relatives | *Ex situ* (gene banks), *in situ* (conservation in natural habitats) |
| IRRI (CGIAR) | International | Rice | *Ex situ* (gene bank) |
| CIMMYT (CGIAR) | International | Maize, Wheat | *Ex situ* (gene bank) |
| Svalbard Global Seed Vault | Global | All major crops | Long-term *ex situ* (backup seed storage) |
Conclusion
The conservation of germplasm is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts from national and international organizations. While national organizations like NBPGR are crucial for conserving indigenous genetic resources, international organizations like CGIAR centers and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault provide a global safety net. Continued investment in germplasm conservation, coupled with advancements in biotechnology and data management, is essential to ensure food security and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate. Strengthening collaboration and knowledge sharing between these organizations will be vital for safeguarding plant genetic diversity for future generations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.