New Delhi: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) realised ₹21.26 crore through Biodiversity benefit sharing during the 2025-26 financial year, reflecting increased participation by industries that use biological resources for research, commercial activities and product development.
The amount came from approvals granted for research, commercial utilisation, intellectual property rights, bio-surveys and bio-utilisation of biological resources. Officials said the collections highlighted growing industry engagement with India’s biodiversity governance framework.
The seed sector emerged as the largest contributor, accounting for ₹11.75 crore. The AYUSH sector followed with contributions of ₹5.56 crore. Nutraceutical companies contributed ₹1.40 crore, while the pharmaceutical sector added ₹1.18 crore. Additional contributions came from biotechnology, cosmetics, chemical, biofuel and food and beverage industries.
Major contributors from the seed sector included 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 segment, Himalaya Wellness Company, Organic India Pvt. Ltd. and Natural Remedies were among the leading contributors.
The industries utilised nearly 300 biological resources. These included maize, rice, turmeric, amla, mustard, bitter gourd, kalmegh, cardamom, tulsi, guggal gum, neem leaves, garcinia, ashwagandha, pepper and clove.
Biodiversity benefit sharing supports local communities
Officials said the NBA has realised a cumulative ₹266 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism so far. Out of this amount, the authority has already distributed ₹145 crore to beneficiaries across the country.
The ABS mechanism operates under the Biological Diversity Act. It ensures that benefits arising from the use of biological resources are shared fairly with local communities, Biodiversity Management Committees, farmers and traditional knowledge holders.
According to the authority, the funds support biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and livelihood improvement at the grassroots level. The mechanism also helps strengthen community participation in conservation efforts.
Officials said the achievement reinforces India’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action 2024-2030.
They added that rising industry participation demonstrates that economic growth and environmental conservation can progress together. The authority believes the approach can create sustainable and inclusive development while protecting India’s rich biological resources for future generations.
