NBA releases ₹8.22 crore to rice institutions and states under benefit-sharing
The National Biodiversity Authority released ₹8.22 crore to rice research institutions and 33 state and UT biodiversity bodies on 2 August 2026, one of the largest single benefit-sharing payouts for rice.
Summary
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released ₹8.22 crore on 2 August 2026 to three research institutions and 33 State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils, one of the largest single access and benefit-sharing (ABS) disbursements for rice. The money came from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, an international seed company that used Indian rice varieties to develop and commercialise hybrids. ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, received the largest share of ₹2.43 crore, while ₹5.75 crore went to state and UT bodies in proportion to rice-growing area. The NBA is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Key facts
- Amount
- ₹8.22 crore
- Paid by
- Pioneer Overseas Corporation (seed company)
- Largest share
- ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad – ₹2.43 crore
- States/UTs
- ₹5.75 crore to 33 biodiversity boards/councils
- NBA
- Statutory body, Biological Diversity Act, 2002; MoEFCC
Practice MCQs 3 questions
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority release in August 2026 as access and benefit-sharing for the use of Indian rice varieties?
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Correct answer: B — ₹8.22 crore
NBA released ₹8.22 crore – ₹2.47 crore to research institutions and ₹5.75 crore to 33 state/UT biodiversity bodies.
Which institution received the largest share of the NBA's rice benefit-sharing disbursement of August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad
ICAR–IIRR, Hyderabad received ₹2.43 crore, the largest share; G.B. Pant University received ₹3.26 lakh.
Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): 1. It is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 2. It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the NBA is under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.