National Biodiversity Authority releases ₹2.82 crore in benefit-sharing funds
The National Biodiversity Authority disbursed ₹2.82 crore under the Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism on 22 August 2026, mostly to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 UT Biodiversity Councils.
Summary
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) announced on 22 August 2026 that it has disbursed ₹2.82 crore under the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanism for the use of India's biological resources. Of this, ₹2.80 crore went to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, and about ₹2.01 lakh to ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Karnataka. The money came from ₹2.94 crore paid by Advanta Enterprises Ltd (formerly UPL Limited) for genetic resources behind hybrids of cauliflower, hot pepper, okra and tomato. Because the resources could not be traced to specific farmers or communities, the funds were shared by crop cultivation area, with Gujarat (₹44.59 lakh), West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh receiving the largest shares.
Key facts
- Released
- ₹2.82 crore under ABS
- Recipients
- 27 State Biodiversity Boards, 3 UT Biodiversity Councils, ICAR-IIHR
- Paid by
- Advanta Enterprises Ltd (formerly UPL), ₹2.94 crore
- Crops
- Hybrids of cauliflower, hot pepper, okra, tomato
- Top recipient
- Gujarat, ₹44.59 lakh
- Next
- West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh
Practice MCQs 3 questions
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2.82 crore
The NBA disbursed ₹2.82 crore: ₹2.80 crore to State and UT biodiversity bodies and about ₹2.01 lakh to ICAR-IIHR.
Which state received the largest share of the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Gujarat received the largest share (₹44.59 lakh), followed by West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement: 1. The funds came from a payment by Advanta Enterprises for genetic resources behind hybrids of cauliflower, hot pepper, okra and tomato. 2. The money was released to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 UT Biodiversity Councils, besides ICAR-IIHR. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Since the resources could not be traced to specific farmers or communities, the money was shared by crop cultivation area.