Dr. Rajendra Singh Paroda, as Director of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) from 1985 to 1987, was instrumental in establishing India’s first National Gene Bank in New Delhi. Recognizing the critical need for a modern facility to conserve the country’s rich plant genetic diversity, Dr. Paroda secured approximately $25 million in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to develop this state-of-the-art repository.
Inaugurated during the II Crop Science Congress in 1996, the National Gene Bank has grown to become the second-largest in the world, housing over 460,000 accessions of various crops. This extensive collection plays a vital role in preserving genetic resources essential for crop improvement, food security, and agricultural sustainability.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Paroda prioritized capacity building by facilitating training for over 100 NBPGR scientists in the United States. He also initiated postgraduate programs in Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), starting with an M.Sc. course in 1997 and a Ph.D. program in 2004, fostering a new generation of experts in genetic resource management.
Dr. Paroda’s visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on India’s agricultural research landscape. His efforts in establishing the National Gene Bank have significantly contributed to the conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources, underpinning India’s strides toward food and nutritional security.
