What Happened
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has disbursed ₹2.82 crore under the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanism, stemming from the utilisation of India's biological resources. A total of ₹2.80 crore has been released to 27 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and three Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs). Additionally, ₹2.01 lakh is being released to the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR) in Karnataka.
These disbursements are based on funds received by the NBA: ₹2.94 crore from M/s Advanta Enterprises Ltd. for the utilisation of genetic resources related to various vegetable hybrids, and ₹7.15 lakh from M/s Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd. for access to two microbial strains sourced from ICAR-IIHR.
Key Facts
- The NBA disbursed ₹2.82 crore in ABS funds on August 22, 2026.
- ₹2.80 crore was allocated to 27 SBBs and 3 UTBCs, based on an approved modality from an Expert Committee.
- ₹2.01 lakh was disbursed to ICAR-IIHR, Karnataka, representing 30% of an ABS amount received from M/s Sumitomo Chemical India Ltd.
- The NBA received ₹2.94 crore from M/s Advanta Enterprises Ltd. for the use of genetic resources from eight cauliflower, five hot pepper, five okra, and six tomato hybrids.
- The top three recipient states for the ₹2.80 crore allocation are Gujarat (₹44.59 lakh), West Bengal (₹41.24 lakh), and Madhya Pradesh (₹32.73 lakh).
- SBBs and UTBCs must utilise funds for activities including documentation of People's Biodiversity Registers, conservation efforts, ecosystem restoration, and capacity building, submitting a utilisation certificate within one year.
- ICAR-IIHR must use its funds within one year for repository maintenance, research, biodiversity surveys, and conservation.
- The total ABS amount released by the NBA to date is ₹185 crore.
Why It Matters
This disbursement of ABS funds by the NBA supports the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and its regulatory framework. It aims to channel benefits from commercial utilisation of India's biological resources towards biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, and the socio-economic development of associated communities and farmers.
What To Watch
Recipients, including SBBs, UTBCs, and ICAR-IIHR, are required to submit utilisation certificates and expenditure statements within one year. Monitoring these submissions will indicate how the funds are being applied to various biodiversity-related activities and conservation efforts across states and territories.