Mission: To protect and conserve indigenous Farm Animal Genetic Resources for sustainable utilization and livelihood security.
ICAR-NBAGR Mandate
Identification, Evaluation, Characterization, Conservation and sustainable Utilization of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources. Coordination and capacity building in animal genetic resources management and policy issues.
ICAR-NBAGR Objectives
- To conduct systematic surveys to characterize, evaluate and catalogue farm livestock and poultry genetic resources and to establish their National Data Base.
- To design methodologies for ex situ conservation and in situ management and optimal utilization of farm animal genetic resources.
- To undertake studies on genetic characterization using modern biological techniques such as molecular cytogenetics, Immunology, DNA Fingerprinting, RFLP analysis etc.
- To conduct training programmes as related to evaluation, characterization and utilization of animal genetic resources.
Major activities
The institute has the following major activities to fulfill the objectives and priorities:
- Identification, Characterization and documentation of native AnGR in-country
- Survey and documentation of entire livestock and poultry population in the country with a target of Zero Non- Descript AnGR in the country.
- Identification and characterization of homogenous populations qualifying for a breed.
- Registration and notification of all types of livestock and poultry populations.
- Conservation of native breeds of livestock and poultry species
- In situ conservation of threatened breeds of livestock and poultry
- Cryopreservation of germplasm of all registered breeds
- Assessing risk status of native breeds
- Genomics for population structure and diversity of native AnGR
- Assessing genomic diversity and uniqueness of all registered livestock and poultry breeds.
- Developing molecular signature for breed standard of native breeds.
- Creation of genome assemblies for native breeds of high importance
- Trait identification and characterization of native AnGR for value addition
- Characterization of unique products and Identification of biomolecules in milk and meat of native germplasm and their effect/utility for human nutrition and health
- Transcriptome and metabolome for evaluating adaptive and endurance traits of native breeds
- Policy support and Capacity building for AnGR management
- Creation of databases and other ICT on AnGR for policy support in the country.
- Developing policy support for AnGR management in states.
- Organizing training and sensitization programs for management of AnGR.
- Providing consultancy services to government agencies for policy support.
Priorities
- Documenting all native AnGR in country with Zero non-descript target:
- AnGR documentation is the most crucial in management of AnGR biodiversity in country. The NBAGR with all its efforts has documented 50 percent of all AnGR of the country, in form of defined breeds and, grades, so far. Now to documenting remaining 50 percent native AnGR, in next five years, is the foremost priority of the institute. Completing the documentation, towards zero non-descript AnGR goal has already been initiated in Mission mode in collaboration of state and central agencies.
- Identification of new native breeds:
- NBAGR has recognized more than 100 new breeds and homogenous population in country. However, there are still a number of unique populations of native AnGR which needs to be identified. Zero non-descript AnGR mission envisage recognition of about 100 breeds in country.
- NBAGR has recognized more than 100 new breeds and homogenous population in country. However, there are still a number of unique populations of native AnGR which needs to be identified. Zero non-descript AnGR mission envisage recognition of about 100 breeds in country.
- Completing breed inventoryand providing statutory recognition:
- A total of 202 native breeds have been registered by the NBAGR and all these breeds have also been notified through Official Gazette to provide statutory recognition to these breeds. In next Five years, more than 100 new breeds would be added after their characterization.
- Cryopreservation of germplasm of all native AnGR in country:
- To protect the native germplasm, cryopreservation of germplasm in form of semen, somatic cells and DNA is already being done for, in the cryobank is another important way for protecting germplasm, not only to avert the future extinction but also assessing temporal genomic changes in a breed. Stem cells are capable of transferring genetic information to the offspring, therefore would be having great potential in cryoconservation in future. By 2047, germplasm of all kind of breeds/distinct populations may be preserved in gamete, cell and embryo form.
- Assessing genetic diversity in native AnGR:
- Genetic diversity is the key factor for sustained improvement as well as adaptiveness to the future challenges. Assessing genetic diversity, at population, breed and species level, should be a continuous activity, with use of modern techniques like WGS, SNP chip etc.
- Trait identification and characterization of native AnGR:
- Identifying unique traits and characterizing at phenotypic, biochemical and molecular levels would help in identifying specific alleles, genes, proteins or metabolites, pathways that can be utilized further. Traits like climatic resilience, endurance and disease resistance may be the choice of traits for in depth characterization. Identifying uniqueness of animal products and related biomolecules should be the ultimate target for next 20-30 years. The milk, meat and products of many native breeds have been traditionally used for specific purposes including for medicinal values; such products should be characterized for their medicinal values. Validation of traditional knowledge pertaining to AnGR would also be essentially required in coming years.
- Statutory and legal framework for Protection of indigenous breedsand Livestock keepers
- Rights is the essentially required for various benefits to the community and livestock owners. Further developing Breed society and maintaining Breed Register for each breed would be essential for implementing improvement programs and ensuring market benefits. Registering a greater number of IP in form of GI, product technologies and commercialization of products of native breeds would also enhance the value of the AnGR in country.
- Fulfilling National and international commitments:
- NBAGR IS fulfillingUnited Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) for Target 2.5 (Indicator 2.5.1: Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured in either medium or long-term conservation facilities. NBAGR cryopreservation activities about included as National Indicator Framework (NIF) 2.5.1 of the National Statistical Office. Documentation of native AnGR is as per FAO’s Global Plan of Action, CBD’s Aichi and Delhi Declaration’ in 2016Targets. Further NBAGR is also committed to fulfil the targets of different National Programs and PM Announcement and NITI Ayog- Output Outcome Framework.