Seed banks are vital repositories of plant genetic resources, acting as “arks” safeguarding biodiversity against environmental changes, climate change, and genetic erosion. Globally, they are increasingly critical for ensuring food security and maintaining agricultural resilience. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often termed the “Doomsday Vault,” in Norway, exemplifies the importance of these institutions. The FAO estimates that approximately 7,600 plant species are cultivated worldwide, and a significant portion of their genetic diversity is held within seed banks. They are integral to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. What are Seed Banks? A seed bank is a facility designed to preserve seeds from a wide variety of plants. These seeds are stored under controlled conditions—low temperature, low humidity, and darkness—to maintain their viability for extended periods. They serve as a backup for plant genetic resources, ensuring their availability for future generations. Types of Seed Banks Seed banks can be broadly categorized into: Gene Banks (Ex-situ Conservation): These are typically government or international organization-managed facilities, storing seeds of wild relatives of crops and landraces. Examples include the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership at Kew, UK. Community Seed Banks (In-situ Conservation): These are locally managed by farmers and communities, preserving traditional crop varieties and knowledge. They are crucial for preserving agrobiodiversity and empowering local communities. National Seed Banks: These are established by countries to conserve their native plant genetic resources. India has the National Gene Bank at IARI, New Delhi. Significance of Seed Banks Seed banks play a crucial role in: Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving plant genetic diversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience. Food Security: Seed banks provide a source of genetic material for crop improvement, enabling the development of varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and climate change. Climate Change Adaptation: Access to diverse genetic resources allows for breeding crops that can tolerate drought, heat, and other climate-related stresses. Restoration Ecology: Seeds can be used to restore degraded ecosystems and reintroduce native plant species. Challenges and Future Prospects Despite their importance, seed banks face challenges: Cost of Maintenance: Maintaining seed banks requires significant financial investment. Seed Viability: Seed viability declines over time, requiring periodic regeneration. Limited Access: Access to seed bank resources can be restricted by intellectual property rights and bureaucratic procedures. Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Community seed banks are vulnerable to the loss of traditional agricultural knowledge. Future prospects include enhancing collaboration between gene banks and community seed banks, incorporating digital technologies for seed management, and promoting equitable access to genetic resources. Type of Seed Bank Management Focus Example Gene Bank Government/International Organizations Wild Relatives & Landraces Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (Kew) Community Seed Bank Local Farmers/Communities Traditional Crop Varieties Navdanya Seed Bank (India) Seed banks are indispensable for safeguarding plant genetic resources and ensuring future food security. They represent a vital investment in biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. Strengthening seed banks, promoting collaboration, and addressing challenges related to access and knowledge preservation are essential for realizing their full potential. The continued success of these institutions depends on global cooperation and sustained commitment.

Seed Bank: Importance & Function | UPSC Mains AGRICULTURE-PAPER-II 2021

Seed Bank

How to Approach

This question requires a concise explanation of seed banks, their purpose, types, and significance in agricultural conservation. The approach should be to first define seed banks and their importance, then discuss different types (gene banks, community seed banks), highlighting their roles. Finally, explain their contribution to biodiversity conservation and food security, emphasizing challenges and future prospects. Structure the answer around these key areas, keeping the word limit in mind.

Seed banks are vital repositories of plant genetic resources, acting as “arks” safeguarding biodiversity against environmental changes, climate change, and genetic erosion. Globally, they are increasingly critical for ensuring food security and maintaining agricultural resilience. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often termed the “Doomsday Vault,” in Norway, exemplifies the importance of these institutions. The FAO estimates that approximately 7,600 plant species are cultivated worldwide, and a significant portion of their genetic diversity is held within seed banks. They are integral to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

What are Seed Banks?

A seed bank is a facility designed to preserve seeds from a wide variety of plants. These seeds are stored under controlled conditions—low temperature, low humidity, and darkness—to maintain their viability for extended periods. They serve as a backup for plant genetic resources, ensuring their availability for future generations.

Types of Seed Banks

Seed banks can be broadly categorized into:

Gene Banks (Ex-situ Conservation): These are typically government or international organization-managed facilities, storing seeds of wild relatives of crops and landraces. Examples include the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership at Kew, UK.
Community Seed Banks (In-situ Conservation): These are locally managed by farmers and communities, preserving traditional crop varieties and knowledge. They are crucial for preserving agrobiodiversity and empowering local communities.
National Seed Banks: These are established by countries to conserve their native plant genetic resources. India has the National Gene Bank at IARI, New Delhi.

Significance of Seed Banks

Seed banks play a crucial role in:

Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving plant genetic diversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and resilience.
Food Security: Seed banks provide a source of genetic material for crop improvement, enabling the development of varieties that are resistant to pests, diseases, and climate change.
Climate Change Adaptation: Access to diverse genetic resources allows for breeding crops that can tolerate drought, heat, and other climate-related stresses.
Restoration Ecology: Seeds can be used to restore degraded ecosystems and reintroduce native plant species.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their importance, seed banks face challenges:

Cost of Maintenance: Maintaining seed banks requires significant financial investment.
Seed Viability: Seed viability declines over time, requiring periodic regeneration.
Limited Access: Access to seed bank resources can be restricted by intellectual property rights and bureaucratic procedures.
Loss of Traditional Knowledge: Community seed banks are vulnerable to the loss of traditional agricultural knowledge.

Future prospects include enhancing collaboration between gene banks and community seed banks, incorporating digital technologies for seed management, and promoting equitable access to genetic resources.

Type of Seed Bank	Management	Focus	Example
Gene Bank	Government/International Organizations	Wild Relatives & Landraces	Millennium Seed Bank Partnership (Kew)
Community Seed Bank	Local Farmers/Communities	Traditional Crop Varieties	Navdanya Seed Bank (India)

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Ex-situ Conservation

Conservation of biological material outside of its natural habitat, such as in seed banks, zoos, or botanical gardens.

In-situ Conservation

Conservation of biological material within its natural habitat, such as protecting a forest ecosystem.

Key Statistics

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault holds seeds from over 1,000 plant species from nearly every country in the world.

Source: FAO

India has approximately 160,000 accessions (samples) of plants conserved in its gene banks.

Source: NBPGR (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources)

Examples

Navdanya Seed Bank

An Indian organization promoting biodiversity conservation and farmers' rights through community seed banks and sustainable agriculture practices.

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Located in Norway, this vault serves as a "Doomsday Vault" for preserving seeds from all over the world in a secure, cold environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between a gene bank and a community seed bank?

Gene banks are typically large, scientifically managed institutions, while community seed banks are locally managed by farmers, focusing on preserving traditional varieties and knowledge.

▶How long can seeds be stored in a seed bank?

Under optimal conditions, seeds can remain viable for decades, even centuries. However, viability testing and periodic regeneration are necessary.