NBA Disburses Rs 2.02 Crore ABS Funds from Seed Sector for Biodiversity and Livelihoods
Syllabus: Biodiversity conservation, Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) under Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The news
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 2.02 crore to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils from seed‑sector ABS contributions. The funds come from companies such as East West Seeds, Syngenta, Devgen, Limagrain, Bayer, Nunhems and Enza Zaden for crops like rice, eggplant, cauliflower, cucumber, hot pepper, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, tomato and okra. Distribution was based on the cultivated area of each crop as per Ministry of Agriculture statistics, with the top ten states receiving Rs 1.43 crore. Cumulative ABS disbursement by NBA now stands at Rs 202 crore, supporting biodiversity management, People’s Biodiversity Registers and livelihood programmes.
Background in one line: Seed companies utilise genetic resources → ABS contributions received by NBA → Allocation based on crop‑wise cultivated area → Disbursement to State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils → Funds used for conservation and community welfare
Static syllabus linkage
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (Sec. 5, 6, 7)
- National Biodiversity Authority – statutory body under the Act
- State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs)
- Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework – Target 13 & 19
Why it matters for UPSC
The release illustrates operationalisation of the ABS mechanism, a key component of India’s biodiversity governance and international commitments. It also shows how private sector benefit‑sharing is channelled to grassroots conservation and livelihood schemes, a recurrent UPSC theme.
Prelims facts
- ABS contributions are collected from seed‑sector companies under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- NBA has so far disbursed a cumulative Rs 202 crore as of Oct 2026.
- Funds are allocated to State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils based on cultivated area.
- The seed‑sector ABS covers crops such as rice, eggplant, cauliflower, cucumber, hot pepper, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, tomato and okra.
Analysis
Significance: The disbursement demonstrates the practical link between genetic resource utilisation and benefit‑sharing, reinforcing the principle of equitable sharing of benefits with local communities.
Issues/Challenges: Accurate identification of beneficiary communities, timely flow of funds, and effective utilisation at the grassroots level remain concerns. Monitoring mechanisms need strengthening to ensure funds reach intended projects.
Way Forward: Strengthen capacity of SBBs/UTBCs, integrate ABS funds with existing schemes like PM‑JANMAN and Van Dhan Yojana, and develop a transparent reporting system for impact assessment.
Possible Mains question
Discuss the role of Access and Benefit‑Sharing (ABS) mechanisms in India’s biodiversity governance. Evaluate the challenges in effective utilisation of ABS funds and suggest measures to enhance their impact on conservation and livelihood.
15 marks · 250 words · GS3
Model approach
- Directive: Define ABS and its legal basis under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- Introduction: Briefly outline the objectives of ABS and recent disbursement trends.
- Body Point 1: Institutional framework – NBA, SBBs, UTBCs and their functions.
- Body Point 2: Linkage with seed sector and private‑sector contributions.
- Body Point 3: Challenges – identification of beneficiaries, fund flow, monitoring, capacity gaps.
- Body Point 4: Recommendations – capacity building, digital tracking, convergence with existing welfare schemes, community participation.
For SSC, Banking & State PSC
- ABS funds are allocated based on cultivated area of crops as per Ministry of Agriculture data.
- Top ten states received Rs 1.43 crore out of the total Rs 2.02 crore disbursed.
Written with AI assistance from the source report and checked against it. Always verify facts with the original source .