National Biodiversity Authority Disburses ₹3.79 Crore Under ABS

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed nearly ₹3.79 crore on 9 August 2026 under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism. The amount was distributed to 33 State Biodiversity Boards, Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, and the Hisar Bovine Sperm Station and Research Centre.

Access and Benefit Sharing under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Access and Benefit Sharing is a framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, for sharing benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. In India, the NBA functions as the apex statutory body for regulating access to biological resources and for advising the Central Government on biodiversity conservation.

Sources of ABS Funds

The ABS funds were collected from corporations including Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt Ltd, HM Clause India Pvt Ltd, and Advanta Enterprises Limited for accessing vegetable and oilseed genetic resources. An additional ABS payment was obtained from Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health for accessing Sahiwal cattle semen.

Crop and State-wise Allocation

Tomato genetic resources generated ₹86.56 lakh for 31 local boards, while chilli resources generated ₹83.76 lakh for 32 boards. Madhya Pradesh received ₹46.93 lakh, West Bengal received ₹44.76 lakh, and Odisha received ₹44.08 lakh.

Important Facts for Exams

• The National Biodiversity Authority was established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
• People’s Biodiversity Registers record local biological resources and associated traditional knowledge at the local level.
• Biodiversity Heritage Sites are areas notified for unique, ecologically fragile, or culturally important biodiversity.
• The NBA’s cumulative ABS disbursements crossed ₹166 crore after the latest transfer.

Utilisation of Disbursed Funds

The disbursed funds must be used to update People’s Biodiversity Registers, support local conservation, and strengthen Biodiversity Heritage Sites. ABS payments are linked to the commercial use of genetic resources and are routed through biodiversity institutions at the national, state, and local levels.