Dr K C Bansal, Director, NBPGR made a presentation on PGR Management: Current status, future strategies and thrust areas for the 12 th Five Year Plan.

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1 Proceedings of the 1 st Meeting of the National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources, December 13, 2011and held at NBPGR, New Delhi The 1 st meeting of the National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources (NABMGR) was held at NBPGR on December 13, 2011 and attended by the members of the Board, Heads of Divisions of NBPGR as special invitees, and members of the Secretariat (List of participants at Annexure I). At the outset, Dr K C Bansal, Director, NBPGR welcomed the Chairman Dr. R. S. Paroda and the Co-Chair Dr. S. Ayyappan and other members, and expressed his gratitude for accepting the invitation and gracing the occasion. Dr S Ayyappan, Secretary DARE and DG, ICAR in his opening remarks mentioned that it was time for ICAR to move from Gene Banks to Genomic Resources Repositories, keeping in view the current international trends and demands. He also expressed his desire to bring all Bureaux together since ICAR is in the process of preparing different platforms such as Bioinformatics, DNA Bar-coding, Genomics and Agrobiodiversity cutting across various sectors. He expected all the Bureaux to work together in a team mode. He also informed that henceforth the National Active Germplasm Sites (NAGS) would have a larger role to play to promote PGR utilization. Dr. Ayyappan expressed his concern over the low exchange of genetic resources by India with other countries. He also informed the house about the Global Genebank Conference/ Consultation being planned early next year wherein the Gene Banks experts from around the world would participate. A two minute silence was observed thereafter, as a mark of respect to Late Dr S Kanniayan, a respected member of the NABMGR, and the Former Chairman, National Biodiversity Board on his sad demise. Dr R S Paroda, Chairman of the Board in his opening remarks remembered contributions made by the stalwarts of PGR: Dr. Harbhajan Singh, Dr. B. P. Pal, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan and Dr A B Joshi. He reminded the members regarding terms of reference being more of advisory nature on broader National issues such as management of genetic resources, India s international obligations and conservation of genetic resources through use. He also expressed his concern over slow pace of PGR export under the current regulatory regime and the global concerns expressed by various countries regarding sharing of material with India. He mentioned that India being a signatory to the ITPGRFA, SMTA needs to be used effectively for exchange and benefit sharing of genetic resources. Further, he desired that more collection expeditions need to be planned both within country and abroad in the national interest and more of trait-specific germplasm should now be collected. We also need to focus more on evaluation of all the germplasm available already in the National Gene Bank followed by proper documentation to enhance sharing of information with plant breeders for enhanced use. He also emphasized that NBPGR should have a Division on IPR Issues with legal experts as well. 1

2 Agenda1: Presentation by Member Secretary, NABMGR. Dr K C Bansal, Director, NBPGR made a presentation on PGR Management: Current status, future strategies and thrust areas for the 12 th Five Year Plan. In the discussion that followed the presentation, the following points emerged: A guideline document to be developed for genetic resources management for all the five Bureaux keeping in mind their special/specific requirements. Operational manuals for exploration, collection, evaluation, conservation, etc. also need to be published. A visionary programme for enhanced use of germplasm for evaluation is essential for conservation through use of genetic resources with emphasis on germplasm evaluation for specific traits such as terminal heat tolerance in wheat. An aggressive mission-mode programme on germplasm evaluation/ characterization must be initiated. This should also include extensive training on evaluation to SAUs/ ICAR Institutes/ other Universities to support such a programme. Database development needs to be accorded high priority to document and disseminate information on website regarding characterised/ evaluated germplasm for use by the breeders. Systematic pre-breeding must be taken up in collaboration with crop based institutes to generate material for use by the breeders. There is an urgent need to provide separate fund for spare parts and for modernization of the existing National Genebank since its maintenance and upkeep is of prime importance. Genetic diversity, being the basis for food security, be a national priority and find place in policies being framed at the national level. The location earmarked for Permafrost facility at Leh Ladakh must be scientifically examined and reconsidered. The structure and construction quality of such a national facility be in tune with that of Svalbard. Taxonomic studies be given top priority and a policy be adopted at the Council level to promote taxonomic work in all the Bureaux. An award for outstanding taxonomist may be instituted by the Bureaux. 2 (Action: Directors, All Bureaux) Agenda Item No. 2: Policies and Procedures for Exchange of Plant Genetic Resources 2.1 Access/Export of Plant Genetic Resources by Foreign Nationals/ Institutes: As per the current procedure, the request for export of genetic resources is processed by the PGR Export Facilitation Committee (PGREFC) constituted by ICAR after enactment of the Biological Diversity Act 2002 and Rules The committee submits its recommendations to ICAR/DARE for approval. After the approval is received from ICAR/ DARE, the material is exported under intimation to National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) for the cases as explained below:

3 2.1.1 Export under collaborative research projects covered by various bilateral MoU/ Work Plans/ research project agreements Export under non collaborative research projects with non-collaborative partners/ counter parts which are in the interest of the country on case-to case basis (e.g., screening of wheat germplasm for resistance to Ug99 rust). It was recommended that DG, ICAR and Secretary DARE may henceforth delegate the powers to Director, NBPGR for deciding on issues related to export of germplasm falling under categories and All other requests for species such as threatened or protected/ restricted materials are directed to NBA for approval. However, views/ comments of NBPGR are invariably sought on such cases by NBA. It was agreed that for cases falling under category 2.1.3, the existing procedure may continue. [Action: Director (DARE)] 2.2 Sharing the Germplasm with Private Sector Earlier, the seed material was supplied by NBPGR to private sector based on their specific and scientific needs. However, after the enactment of BDA, 2002 and Rule 2004, the requests from private sector are invariably not getting processed for the lack of proper guidelines. The private sector is, therefore, expressing their concerns and difficulty to obtain material from NBPGR. It is proposed the Board may kindly consider constituting a Sub- Committee with a representative from National Seed Association of India (NSAI) for developing specific guidelines and procedures. It was decided that a Sub-Committee be constituted to examine all germplasm exchange related issues including exchange with the private sector. Accordingly, the following committee was constituted to give its recommendations to the Board within four months (by the end of April, 2012). 1. Dr. P. L. Gautam, Chairman, PPVFRA, (Chairman) 2. Prof. S. K. Datta, DDG (CS) 3. Dr. H. P. Singh, DDG (Hort.) 4. Dr. S. Mauria, ADG (IP&TM) 5. Dr. R. S. Rana (NBA representative) 6. Dr. Suman Sahai (NGO representative) 7. Representative of the National Seed Association of India (NASI) 8. Director NBPGR (Member Secretary) 3

4 For issues related to genetic resources other than PGR, concerned DDG and Director of the respective Bureau be invited as special invitees. The Committee may also draft the Terms of Reference and develop guidelines for Access to Genetic Resources. It was felt that the germplasm of strategic importance be shared with the private sector, with clear understanding and specified conditions to be decided by above Sub-Committee. (Action: Director, NBPGR) Agenda Item No. 3: Implementation of International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture 3.1 Use of SMTA for Exchange of PGRFA under MLS of the Treaty: India being a contracting party to the Treaty, has not yet complied with the obligations of the Treaty such as notification of exchange of Annex I crops, designation of Indian germplasm for MLS and the use of SMTA for such exchange. However, for access to genetic resources for food and agriculture, it was clarified that The Governing Body of the Treaty has already approved the SMTA (Annexure II) for which India is a party. It was decided that henceforth already approved SMTA by the GB of the Treaty be used for the exchange of germplasm by NBPGR, especially for those crops listed in Annexure I and whose germplasm is already being exchanged under MLS by the CG Centres. 3.2 Designation of Indian Germplasm for Exchange under MLS: India has not yet designated its germplasm for exchange under MLS. It needs to be done on priority. In every GB meeting of the Treaty, all contracting parties are requested to designate their germplasm for compliance of the Treaty. At times it draws concerns and gives a different impression with respect to India s commitment to fulfil the obligations of the Treaty. The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DoAC) under the Ministry of Agriculture is the National Focal Point for implementation of the Treaty in India. However, a technical input from DARE on the material to be designated under MLS is important in order to have a balanced view for deliberations in such Fora. It was agreed that a smaller committee be constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. P. L. Gautam with Dr. R. S. Rana; DDG (CS) and Director, NBPGR to identify specific crops germplasm that can be designated under MLS. It was also agreed unanimously that the representatives from ICAR, IP&TM and NBPGR be included always in the delegation from India to participate in the ITPGRFA meetings so as to safeguard our national interests. If needed, required approval of Agriculture Minister be taken by DARE being a policy issue. (Action: Director, NBPGR) 4

5 Agenda 4: Strengthening Collaboration and Revision of Existing MoA with PPV&FRA: NBPGR and PPVFRA have an active collaboration for implementation of the PPV& FRA Act, NBPGR facilitates the submission of application of plant varieties developed by NARS as per ICAR Guidelines to PPV& FRA. In addition, NBPGR has also been given the responsibility for taking care of the conservation of all registered material for the Authority under a MoA (Annexure III). This facility has been named as National Gene Bank by the PPV&FRA. However, gene bank at NBPGR has already been named as National Genebank since its inception in It is proposed that the MoU between NBPGR and PPV&FRA needs to be revisited to ensure technical supervision of NBPGR for all materials registered by the PPV&FRA. The Genebank of PPV&FRA should henceforth be named as Genebank of Protected Varieties, whereas the Gene Bank of NBPGR should be the only National Genebank. The revision so made in the MoU be brought for information before the next meeting of the Board. NBPGR may similarly develop an MoU with NBA for storage of voucher samples of the PGR exported with the permission of NBA. (Action: Director, NBPGR; Registrar, PPV&FRA; Secretary, NBA) Agenda 5: Strategies for Sharing Information in Public Domain: In the past, crop catalogues with information on passport details and characterization data were published for exchange of information and seed material with breeders. Now, NBPGR has developed a database for germplasm conserved in the National Genebank, which is currently being validated. The database has information in about 30 fields related to passport data, characterization and conservation status of the entire germplasm. However, in the current regime of international laws and Intellectual Property Rights, it has to be decided that what kind of information may be placed in public domain with a view to promote conservation of PGR through use by public and private sector. A sub-committee with DDG (CS) and DDG (Hort.) as Co-Chairs, DDG (Animal Sciences), ADG (IP&TM), Registrar General, PPVFRA and Director NBPGR as members was constituted to develop guidelines for accessing the relevant information on genetic resources in public domain. The above sub-committee may consider sensitizing the private sector also for sharing information and material with the public sector. The sub-committee to submit its recommendations within two months (by the end of Feb, 2012) for consideration of the Board. It was also decided that information available on plant germplasm at NBPGR including all passport data and cryo-preserved animal semen available with NBAGR should henceforth be placed in public domain through institute websites and publications. (Action: Director, NBPGR; Director, NBAGR) 5

6 Agenda 6: Exploration and Evaluation of Horticultural Crops: There has been a concern for exploration and evaluation of horticultural crops from within India in general. In addition, there is a need to collect and introduce diverse seed/ planting material of high value horticultural crops from international institutes/ nurseries. It was decided that the explorations on horticultural crops be given high priority. The Board recommended that horticultural institutions (such as IIHR) may take up exploration for collection of specific horticultural crops within India and from abroad. The responsibility for planning and coordination of specific explorations, maintenance and evaluation of the collected germplasm of all horticultural crops be now delegated to IIHR. The NBPGR scientists may be involved in specific explorations where necessary. However, the complete passport data of the collected germplasm and data on characterization and evaluation be made available to NBPGR for information. Also IIHR should plan to have modern Gene Bank facilities created for horticultural crops during the XII Plan. (Action: Director, NBPGR and Director, IIHR) Agenda Item No. 7: Issues Related to Conservation of Voucher Specimens: NBPGR is being directed to conserve voucher samples by various Authorities such as NBA, RCGM (Department of Biotechnology) and EXIM. NBA has designated NBPGR as National Repository for plant genetic resources through a Gazette notification. As per this notification, voucher samples of all plant germplasm sent abroad after permission from NBA are conserved in the Repository. Similarly, more than 2000 seed samples of transgenic crops approved by RCGM (DBT) have also been conserved in NBPGR in its medium-term storage. Again, as per the recommendation of the EXIM Committee, voucher samples of hybrid material exported in bulk by private companies are deposited in the NBPGR Genebank. NBPGR has limited facility of medium- and long-term storage to conserve the germplasm. It is proposed that extra space and funds with required manpower may be provided by the respective organisation to undertake conservation of voucher specimens. Further, NBPGR may be advised on the utilization of such germplasm for research by the NARS. The committee as proposed above under Agenda Item No. 3 and 5 may also look into these issues. It was recommended that one more Medium Term Storage Module be added to take up this task as a national repository. (Action: Director, NBPGR) NBAII should support insect collections in various universities/ institutes. Also all type collections may be shared with NBAII. (Action: Director, NBAII) A national web-enabled database on genetic resources of different categories- plants, animals, fish, insects and microbes comprising data and scanned images of material available with the various Bureaux should be developed. (Action: Directors of all Bureaux) 6

7 Agenda Item No. 8: Role and Participation of Bureaux in International Meetings: There are many international regulations and instruments in place with reference to management of genetic resources, such as CBD, ITPGRFA, ABS Nagoya Protocol, and CGRFA. Regular international meetings are organised to discuss and report on the implementation of such instruments by the member countries. The National Focal Points for implementation of these agreements have been identified by the Government of India to participate in the above meetings. It was agreed that representatives of the concerned Bureaux must be nominated by DARE/ ICAR for participation in the international meetings to provide required technical inputs. This would also help in having better understanding of the Bureau s scientists on international laws with respect to the management of genetic resources and to develop future research strategies. (Action: Concerned SMD, ICAR) Agenda Item No. 9: Presentations by Directors of National Bureaux on Current Status, Future Strategies and Thrust Areas for the 12 th Five Year Plan. 9.1 Presentation of Director, NBAGR: Dr B K Joshi It was recommended that National Action Plan on Animal Genetic Resources be developed by NBAGR. The draft may be prepared in consultation with DDG (AS) and Chairman RAC of NBAGR. The draft be got ready within three months (by next meeting of the Board for discussion). It was also felt that MoEF be approached to allow recognised government institutes to undertake research on the Schedule I & II animals & fish, Japanese quail, marine snakes for their venom, which is known to have high medicinal value. To initiate such work, Secretary MoEF be requested by Secretary DARE for permission. MoU may be signed between the two ministries to facilitate such research collaboration. (Action: Director, NBAGR) 9.2 Presentation by Director, NBFGR: Dr J K Jena It was felt that there is a need to work on cataloguing and DNA barcoding of fish genetic resources. In case of exotic fish, there is a need to do proactive studies. More research under confined conditions is needed on Tilapia, Sea Bass etc., at they held great promise. It was proposed that the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources may be re-named as National Bureau of Aquatic Genetic Resources (NBAGR), which could be proposed in the XII Plan. (Action: Director, NBFGR) 9.3 Presentation by Director, NBAIM: Dr D K Arora It was felt that safety duplicate sets of cultures of microbes being maintained at NBAIM, Mau may be kept at some suitable location being a national priority. In case of any untoward incident, a very valuable and important resources would otherwise be lost. NBPGR could take up the responsibility of cryo-preserving microbial cultures to solve the issue of maintenance of safety duplicates. 7

8 There is a need to collect microbes from extreme environments/ ecological zones as they would constitute an important source of genes for abiotic stress tolerance. NBAIM should follow standard practices for culturing its 5000 microbial resources. Standards for maintaining these cultures need to be developed and published on priority by NBAIM. (Action: Director, NBAIM) 9.4 Presentation by Director, NBAII: Dr Krishna Kumar A need for strengthening of NBAII with more staff was emphasized. Priorities may be identified in two or three key areas where thrust has to be given on exploration, collection, capacity building etc. Priority be given to quarantine related aspects in order to restrict trans-boundary movement of insects. Exchange of insect specimens for species identification by experts may be allowed and facilitated as a national priority. A network should be created for building an insect collection at NBAII, taking all available collections from repositories such as FRI, IARI, etc on board. (Action: Director, NBAII) Other General Recommendations Four new members viz., ADG (IP&TM), one representative each from Department of Agriculture and Co-operation (DAC), and Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy (DAHD), and Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) were proposed for inclusion in the NABMGR by the Co- Chair. [Action: ADG (Cordn.) ICAR] In the XII Plan, provision may be kept under the Agro-biodiversity Platform for supporting genebanks being maintained in a scientific manner by NGOs, some innovative farmers etc. PPVFRA could complement this activity as some of these resources are ready for registration by farmers. (Action: All concerned) NBPGR should think of a proactive futuristic plan on partnership through part funding of such organizations as NGOs under the Agro-biodiversity Platform with proper MoU. The Gene-Fund proposed under the PPV&FRA to support such programmes of NGOs/ Communities be activated through a Corpus Fund by the Government under the XII Plan. Genomic Saviour Award be more popularized for outstanding work in the area of conservation of genetic resources. A Strategy paper be prepared by NBPGR on working with communities for in-situ conservation. Knowledge sharing, and bioinformatics programme on genetic resources, and HRD should be a priority for all the bureaux under the next Plan. (Action: Director, NBPGR) The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair. 8

9 Annexure I List of Participants in the 1 st Meeting of NABMGR held on at NBPGR 1. Dr. Raj S. Paroda, President, TAAS and Former DG ICAR Chairman and Secretary DARE 2. Dr. S. Ayyappan, DG ICAR and Secretary DARE Co-Chairman 3. Dr. P. L. Gautam, Chairperson PPV&FRA Member 4. Dr. M. Mahadevappa, Former Chairman, ASRB Member 5. Dr. R. S. Rana, Chairman, RAC, NBPGR Member 6. Prof. S. K. Datta, DDG (CS), ICAR Member 7. Dr. (Mrs.) B. Meenakumari, DDG (Fisheries), ICAR Member 8. Dr. R. Prabhakaran, Chairman, RAC, NBAGR Member 9. Dr. T. J. Pandian, Chairman, RAC,NBFGR Member 10. Dr. D. J. Bagyaraj, Chairman, RAC, NBAIM Member 11. Dr. B. Senapathi, Chairman, RAC, NBAII Member 12. Dr. Ajay K. Parida, Executive Director, MSSRF Member 13. Dr. Suman Sahai, Gene Campaign, New Delhi Member 14. Sh. Bala Prasad, CEO, NMPB, New Delhi Member 15. Dr. S. C. Gupta, ADG (Animal Science) Member 16. Dr. Ravindra Kumar, ADG (Cordn.), ICAR Member 17. Dr. S. Mauria, ADG (IP&TM) Member 18. Dr. B.K. Joshi, Director, NBAGR, Karnal Member 19. Dr. J. K. Jena, Director, NBFGR, Lucknow Member 20. Dr. D. K. Arora, Director, NBAIM, Mau Nath Bhanjan Member 21. Dr. N. K. Krishna Kumar, Director, NBAII, Benagluru Member 22. Dr. S. Ganeshan, Head, Division of PGR, IIHR, Bengaluru Member 23. Dr. K. C. Bansal, Director, NBPGR Member. Secy. NABMGR 24. Dr D C Bhandari, Head, G Expl Division, NBPGR Special Invitee 25. Dr R K Tyagi, Head, G. Cons Division, NBPGR Special Invitee 26. Dr P C Agarwal, Head, Div of Plant Quarantine, NBPGR Special Invitee 27. Dr M Dutta, Head, G. Eval Division, NBPGR Special Invitee 28. Dr Arjun Lal, Head, G. Exchange Unit, NBPGR Special Invitee 29. Dr Rekha Chaudhry, OIC, TCCU, NBPGR Special Invitee 30. Dr Pratibha Brahmi, OIC, PGR PPU Member, NABMGR Secretariat 31. Dr Kavita Gupta, Senior Scientist, PQ Division, NBPGR Member, NABMGR Secretariat 32. Dr Vandana Tyagi, Senior Scientist, G Exchange Unit, NBPGR Member, NABMGR Secretariat 33. Dr Sunil Archak, OIC, ARIS Cell, NBPGR Member, NABMGR Secretariat 9