National Biodiversity Authority realises Rs 21.26 crore through benefit-sharing in FY26

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi, May 30: The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has realised Rs 21.26 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism during the financial year 2025–26, reflecting increasing participation by industries in India’s biodiversity conservation and governance framework.

According to official figures released on Friday, the revenue was generated through approvals granted for research, commercial utilisation, intellectual property rights, bio-survey and bio-utilisation of biological resources.

The seed sector emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for Rs 11.75 crore of the total collections, followed by the AYUSH sector with contributions of Rs 5.56 crore. The nutraceutical sector contributed Rs 1.40 crore, while the pharmaceutical sector accounted for Rs 1.18 crore. Additional contributions came from biotechnology, cosmetics, chemical, biofuel and food and beverage industries.

Among the major contributors in the seed sector were 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, key contributors included Himalaya Wellness Company, Organic India Pvt. Ltd. and Natural Remedies.

The biological resources utilised by various sectors included around 300 species and products such as turmeric, amla, mustard, bitter gourd, kalmegh, cardamom, tulsi, guggal gum, neem leaves, garcinia, ashwagandha, pepper, clove, maize and rice.

The NBA said that cumulative collections under the ABS mechanism have now reached Rs 266 crore. Of this amount, Rs 145 crore has already been distributed among beneficiaries, including local communities, farmers, traditional knowledge holders and Biodiversity Management Committees across the country.

Established under the Biological Diversity Act, the ABS mechanism seeks to ensure that benefits arising from the commercial use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge are shared fairly and equitably with those who conserve and maintain them. The funds are used to support biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use and livelihood enhancement at the grassroots level.

The authority said the achievement underscores India’s commitment to the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and biodiversity targets outlined in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2030.

Officials noted that the growing contribution from industry demonstrates that biodiversity conservation and economic development can advance together while promoting a more sustainable and inclusive growth model.