From Mustard Fields to Conservation Funds: NBA Distributes ₹15.52 Crore Biodiversity Dividend
What Happened
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds earned from the commercial use of India's mustard genetic resources. The amount comes from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, which developed ten commercial mustard hybrid varieties using biological resources sourced from India.
Key Takeaways
The payout is a major example of India's biodiversity benefit-sharing framework in action. Rajasthan, which accounts for nearly 42% of India's mustard cultivation, received the largest share at ₹6.43 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh (₹2.28 crore) and Madhya Pradesh (₹1.86 crore).