New Delhi [India]: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 8.22 crore to three research institutions and 33 State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, marking one of the largest single access and benefit-sharing (ABS) disbursements for rice.
According to a press release, the amount was received from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, an international seed company, for using Indian rice (Oryza sativa) varieties to develop and commercialise hybrids. The disbursement reflects India's commitment to ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of the country's biological resources.
