NBA releases over ₹24 lakh as access and benefit sharing to farmers and institutions
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released over ₹24 lakh on 31 July 2026 as Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) money to a Haryana Murrah buffalo farm, three research institutions, ICRISAT and 11 State Biodiversity Boards.
Summary
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released over ₹24 lakh on 31 July 2026 as Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) money to people and institutions whose conserved biological resources were later used commercially. Beneficiaries include a family-run Murrah buffalo farm in Haryana (₹4.30 lakh), ICAR–NBPGR New Delhi (₹4.61 lakh), ICRISAT Patancheru, Hyderabad (₹5.36 lakh), ICAR–NBFGR Lucknow, and the State Biodiversity Boards of 11 States led by Maharashtra (₹3.22 lakh). The payments cover access to Murrah buffalo breeding stock, crop varieties including 627 pearl millet and 55 maize varieties, fish cell cultures and cotton varieties. ABS from cotton genetic resources is shared among the 11 cotton-growing States. With this release, NBA's total ABS disbursals have reached about ₹153 crore.
Key facts
- Body
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
- Released
- Over ₹24 lakh – 31 Jul 2026
- Largest single share
- ICRISAT, Patancheru (₹5.36 lakh)
- Farmer beneficiary
- Murrah buffalo farm, Haryana (₹4.30 lakh)
- Resources
- Murrah breeding stock, 627 pearl millet & 55 maize varieties, fish cell cultures, cotton
- State boards
- 11 States; Maharashtra highest (₹3.22 lakh)
- Total ABS to date
- ≈ ₹153 crore
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In the NBA's July 2026 Access and Benefit Sharing release, a family-run farm in Haryana was paid for access to the breeding stock of which animal?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Murrah buffalo
A family-run Murrah buffalo farm in Haryana received ₹4.30 lakh for access to its Murrah breeding stock.
Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority's benefit-sharing release of 31 July 2026: 1. ICRISAT, Patancheru received the largest single share of about ₹5.36 lakh. 2. With this release, NBA's total Access and Benefit Sharing disbursals reached about ₹153 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the NBA release.