National Biodiversity Authority Realises Rs. 21.26 Crore Through ABS Mechanism in FY 2025–26

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has realised Rs. 21.26 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism during the financial year 2025–26.

The Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism, established under the Biological Diversity Act, ensures that benefits arising from the utilisation of biological resources are shared fairly and equitably with local communities, Biodiversity Management Committees, farmers and traditional knowledge holders.

The funds generated contribute directly to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and livelihood enhancement at the grassroots level.

The amount was generated by approvals granted for research, commercial utilisation, intellectual property rights, and the bio-survey and bio-utilisation of biological resources, reflecting growing industry participation in India’s biodiversity governance framework.

During the period, the Seed sector emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for Rs. 11.75 crore, followed by the AYUSH sector with Rs. 5.56 crore.

Other contributors included Nutraceuticals with Rs. 1.40 crore and Pharmaceuticals with Rs. 1.18 crore. Contributions were also received from the Biotechnology, Cosmetics, Chemical, Biofuel and Food & Beverage sectors.

Major contributors from the Seed sector included Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd., East West Seeds India Pvt. Ltd., Pioneer Overseas Corporation, Nongwoo Seed India Pvt. Ltd. and BASF India Pvt. Ltd.

In the AYUSH sector, major contributors included Himalaya Wellness Company, Organic India Pvt. Ltd. and Natural Remedies.

The sectors utilised around 300 biological resources, including maize, rice, turmeric, amla, mustard, bitter gourd, kalmegh, elachi, tulsi, guggal gum, neem leaves, garcinia, ashwagandha, pepper and lavanga.

As of date, the National Biodiversity Authority has realised ABS funds amounting to Rs. 266 crore from users of biological resources and associated knowledge. Of this, Rs. 145 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries across the country.

This achievement reinforces India’s commitment to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, and Target 13 of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 2024–2030.

The growing contribution from industry demonstrates that economic development and biodiversity conservation can progress together, creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for the country.