Maharashtra’s gene bank project

Maharashtra’s gene bank project

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Biotechnology

Context:  Maharashtra’s gene bank project is about using science to secure future.

Gene bank project:

• The country’s first-of-its kind gene bank project in Maharashtra was approved by the state cabinet.
• The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.The MSBB will coordinate with institutions like the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Goa to document and conserve rare and endangered marine species.
• It has the potential to use modern scientific methodology to separate the chaff from the grain from the massive pool of traditional Indian wisdom.
• It will introduce crop cultivars and livestock breeds for better adaptation to climate change and variability.
• It is a collaborative process of knowledge generation, documentation, validation and propagation of successful community driven practices of conservation of biodiversity.
• The Maharashtra Gene Bank Project will work on seven themes —
  • marine, crop,
  • veterinary,
  • freshwater,
  • grassland biodiversity,
  • protection and management of forest right areas, and
  • regeneration of forests.
• It brought together several grass-root workers and social scientists, and marginalised communities together towards achieving a common goal of conservation of biodiversity.