Current Affairs - Agriculture - Discussion

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released IS 20201:2026 to establish a structured framework for the management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) and the conservation of indigenous crop varieties. The standard provides guidelines for seed collection, viability testing, storage, and documentation. It particularly focuses on preserving traditional seeds that possess valuable characteristics such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and enhanced nutritional value. Developed with contributions from key agricultural and biodiversity institutions, the standard supports national efforts to safeguard plant genetic resources, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable agricultural practices while aligning with existing biodiversity and farmers’ rights legislation.