Biodiversity Boom: NBA Releases ₹15.52 Crore from Mustard Genes, Directing Funds to Key States

Biodiversity Boom: NBA Releases ₹15.52 Crore from Mustard Genes, Directing Funds to Key States​

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has announced the disbursement of Rs. 15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds. These funds originate from M/s. Pioneer Overseas Corporation, which successfully developed ten commercial hybrid varieties of mustard (Brassica juncea). This release underscores a critical mechanism for ensuring that benefits flow back to India's biodiversity preservation efforts.

The ABS proceeds are allocated to 26 State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and 3 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils (UTBCs). The disbursement structure is meticulously calculated based on the area of mustard cultivation within each respective state. This structured approach ensures proportionate benefit sharing across agricultural regions.

Allocation Method and State-wise Benefits​

Since no single farmer or community could be identified as the source for the parental lines used by M/s. Pioneer Overseas Corporation, the NBA established an Expert Committee to define appropriate disbursement modalities. These guidelines dictate that when biological resources are accessed via intermediaries, the ABS amount must be shared proportionally among the SBBs and UTBCs where the resource is cultivated.

The calculations relied on cultivation-area figures sourced from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research (ICAR-IIRMR) in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. This analysis highlights the significant agricultural concentration in specific states.

Rajasthan stands out as the primary beneficiary, accounting for nearly 42 per cent of India's mustard cultivation and receiving Rs. 6.43 crore. Other major recipients include Uttar Pradesh (Rs. 2.28 crore) and Madhya Pradesh (Rs. 1.86 crore). The distribution mechanism ensured that almost every state and union territory received a proportional share based on their agricultural contribution.

The top ten states receiving ABS proceeds are detailed below:

Mandate of Funds and Conservation Impact​

The allocated funds must be utilized by each SBB and UTBC in compliance with Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The prescribed activities for utilizing these ABS amounts are diverse and crucial for grassroots conservation. These include documenting and updating People's Biodiversity Registers (PBRs), conducting in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts, and restoring degraded ecosystems.

The funds are also earmarked for strengthening Biodiversity Heritage Sites and improving the capacity of Biodiversity Management Committees. Furthermore, a key objective is to improve community livelihoods through focused ecological projects.

NBA’s Commitment to Genetic Resource Fair Share​

This particular release forms part of the National Biodiversity Authority's broader commitment under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The agency works to ensure that when India’s genetic resources generate commercial value, a fair share flows back to the states and communities maintaining that biodiversity.

The NBA is committed to upholding the principles of the Nagoya Protocol and Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework regarding fair and equitable benefit sharing. To date, the National Biodiversity Authority has released a total ABS amount amounting to Rs. 182.5 crore across all beneficiaries. In the last twelve months alone, it has disbursed Rs. 116.22 crore to various parties throughout the country.