Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reports that the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) realised Rs 21.26 crore in FY 2025‑26 through the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism.
Key Developments
- The Seed sector contributed the largest share – Rs 11.75 crore.
- The AYUSH sector contributed Rs 5.56 crore.
- Other sectors – Nutraceuticals (Rs 1.40 crore), Pharmaceuticals (Rs 1.18 crore) and various biotech, cosmetics, chemical, bio‑fuel and food & beverage firms – added to the total.
Important Facts
- Major seed contributors: Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd., Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Nongwoo Seed India Pvt. Ltd., BASF India Pvt. Ltd.
- AYUSH contributors: Himalaya Wellness Company, Organic India Pvt. Ltd., Natural Remedies.
- About 300 biological resources were used, including maize, rice, turmeric, amla, mustard, bitter gourd, kalmegh, cardamom, tulsi, guggal gum, neem leaves, garcinia, ashwagandha, pepper and clove.
- Since inception, NBA has collected Rs 266 crore in ABS funds; Rs 145 crore has already been transferred to beneficiaries across India.
UPSC Relevance
The Biological Diversity Act created the ABS framework, aligning India with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol. The funds support Biodiversity Management Committees, farmers and traditional knowledge holders, thereby linking environmental conservation with rural livelihoods – a frequent GS3 topic.
For the economy, the inflow of Rs 21.26 crore demonstrates how industry participation can generate revenue while complying with environmental norms, illustrating the “green growth” paradigm in GS3.
Way Forward
- Strengthen monitoring of ABS compliance to ensure transparent benefit flow to local communities.
- Encourage more sectors to register under ABS, especially emerging biotech and renewable‑energy firms.
- Channel the disbursed funds into capacity‑building for BMCs, habitat restoration and climate‑resilient agriculture.
- Align future ABS targets with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 2024‑2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.