Why in News? 

• India is setting up its second National Gene Bank to strengthen biodiversity conservation. 

Aim: To secure genetic material critical for future food security. 

 About National Gene Bank (NGB) 

• The first NGB was established in 1996 at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi. 
• Gene banks serve as biorepositories for storing genetic materials from plants, animals, and microorganisms. 

Purpose of Gene Banks 

• Preserve biodiversity. 
• Ensure long-term food and nutritional security. 
• Help protect against genetic erosion and climate change. 

Types of Gene Banks 

• Seed Banks: Store seeds (e.g., Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway). 
• Field Gene Banks: Conserve live plants in natural conditions. 
• Cryo-preservation Banks: Preserve tissues, embryos, and cells at ultra-low temperatures. 
• Pollen and DNA Banks: Store pollen grains and genetic DNA material.