Environment · GS3.3, GS3.5, GS1.9 · 2026-10-25 · 3 min read · 2026-10-25-am
Agricultural Biological Resources Generate ₹1.04 Crore ABS Benefits for Biodiversity
The National Biodiversity Authority disbursed around ₹1.04 crore of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) funds to State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils from agricultural biological resources. This shows how agricultural biodiversity supports conservation and sustainable use, a key topic for biodiversity and agriculture in UPSC.
India channels ABS benefits from agricultural biological resources to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Why is this in the news?
On 24 October 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced the disbursal of ₹1.04 crore ABS benefits from agricultural biological resources to biodiversity initiatives across India.
What are ABS benefits and how are they generated from agriculture?
- Definition of ABS benefits. Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) refers to the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of biological resources, including agricultural biological resources.
- Sources of ABS funds. The ₹1.04 crore disbursed came from companies accessing agricultural biological resources like pearl millet, jowar, maize, rice, and bottle gourd for research and commercial use.
- Role of agriculture. Agriculture is an important contributor to India's ABS mechanism, having generated approximately ₹87 crore in ABS contributions so far.
How are ABS benefits distributed and used?
- Distribution method. The National Biodiversity Authority uses an area-based approach to allocate ABS funds proportionately to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 2 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, based on crop cultivation area and geographical distribution.
- State-wise allocation. Top states receiving funds include Uttar Pradesh (₹10,35,790), Maharashtra (₹10,05,218), and Madhya Pradesh (₹9,81,132), among others.
- Utilisation of funds. Funds are to be used for biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, documentation, research, capacity building, and strengthening local biodiversity governance as per the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Why does this matter for biodiversity and agriculture policy?
- Supports biodiversity conservation. ABS benefits from agriculture help conserve traditional crop varieties and genetic diversity, which are vital for food security and farming livelihoods.
- Aligns with international commitments. India’s ABS framework supports the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and Target 13 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on fair benefit sharing.
- Demonstrates policy implementation. The disbursal exemplifies practical application of India’s ABS framework in linking research, commercial use, and biodiversity initiatives.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1.04 crore | ABS amount disbursed among State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils | |
| ₹87 crore | Approximate ABS contributions generated by the agriculture sector | |
| 27 | Number of State Biodiversity Boards receiving ABS funds | |
| 2 | Number of Union Territory Biodiversity Councils receiving ABS funds |
Back to basics: Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)
Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) is a mechanism under biodiversity laws that ensures fair sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources. It links the use of genetic resources, such as seeds or traditional knowledge, with monetary or non-monetary benefits shared with the resource providers. This supports conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) in India: 1. The National Biodiversity Authority distributes ABS funds to State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils based on crop cultivation area. 2. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002, governs the ABS framework including benefit sharing from agricultural biological resources.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (c). Statement 1 is correct but the distribution is done by the National Biodiversity Authority, not by the State Boards themselves; Statement 2 is correct as the ABS framework is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Mains question (15 marks)
Explain the role of Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanisms in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture in India.
Explain: Explain how ABS mechanisms link agricultural biological resources with biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Intro: Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanisms ensure fair sharing of benefits from biological resource use, supporting biodiversity and agriculture.
- Describe the ABS framework under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and its application to agricultural biological resources.
- Explain the distribution of ABS funds by the National Biodiversity Authority to State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils based on crop area.
- Discuss how ABS benefits support conservation of traditional crop varieties, genetic diversity, and strengthen biodiversity governance.
- Highlight India's alignment with international biodiversity commitments through ABS implementation.
Conclusion: ABS mechanisms are vital for linking agricultural resource use with biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in India.
Quick revision
- What is the total ABS amount disbursed recently for agricultural biodiversity initiatives?
- Around ₹1.04 crore was disbursed among State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
- Which crops contributed to the ABS benefits in India?
- Pearl millet, jowar, maize, rice, and bottle gourd contributed to the ABS benefits.
- Under which law is India's ABS framework governed?
- India's ABS framework is governed by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.