How Did India’s Biodiversity Authority Collect More Than Rs. 21 Crore This Year?
By CCN News | Published: May 30, 2026
By CCN News | Published: May 30, 2026
Image Source: Pexels
India's biodiversity governance framework recorded a significant increase in revenue generation during the financial year 2025–26, with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) collecting Rs. 21.26 crore through its Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism. The funds were generated from approvals related to research, commercial utilisation, intellectual property rights, bio-surveys and bio-utilisation of biological resources.
The latest figures highlight growing participation by industries that depend on biological resources, including agriculture, healthcare, nutraceuticals and biotechnology. The ABS mechanism is designed to ensure that benefits derived from biological resources are shared with local communities and traditional knowledge holders.
Seed And AYUSH Sectors Lead Contributions
According to data released by the NBA, the seed sector accounted for the largest share of collections at Rs. 11.75 crore. The AYUSH sector contributed Rs. 5.56 crore. Other sectors included nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetics, chemicals, biofuels and food and beverage industries.
Major contributors from the seed industry 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 sector, contributions came from companies such as Himalaya Wellness Company, Organic India Pvt. Ltd. and Natural Remedies.
The sectors reported utilisation of nearly 300 biological resources, including maize, rice, turmeric, amla, mustard, bitter gourd, tulsi, neem, pepper, ashwagandha and cardamom.
How The Benefit-Sharing Mechanism Works
The Access and Benefit Sharing framework operates under India's Biological Diversity Act. It requires users of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge to share benefits arising from their utilisation.
The collected funds are distributed to Biodiversity Management Committees, local communities, farmers and traditional knowledge holders. The mechanism aims to support biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use and livelihood development.
Growing Focus On Biodiversity Finance
The NBA said cumulative collections under the ABS mechanism have reached Rs. 266 crore since its implementation. Of this amount, Rs. 145 crore has been disbursed to beneficiaries across India.
The framework aligns with India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2024–2030. Policymakers and conservation experts increasingly view biodiversity finance as a tool for balancing economic activity with environmental stewardship.
Advertisement