Agricultural genetic resources (AGRs) or agrobiodiversity (ABD) are the basis for food, nutrition, business and environment security and advancing agricultural sciences. It includes 6 components (CALFIM: crops, aquatic AGRs, livestock, forages, agro-insects and agro-microorganisms and 4 sub components (DSWW: domesticated, semi domesticated, wild relatives and wild edible). Among the total 24300 species in Nepal, 28% are AGRs. About 40% of AGRs has been lost in the past. The country’s dependency on foreign germplasm is about 95%. The target of the NAGRC is therefore to assure the availability of existing AGRs in present and future for research and production. NAGRC has started celebrating national genebank and agrobiodiversity day on 21 Aswin from 2018 but due to covid-19 and other problems, it could not be celebrated in 2019 and 2020. NAGRC celebrated this year (2079 BS) 12th national genebank day and 5th agrobiodiversity day. In the initiation of NAGRC, Nepal Government has also declared 2079 BS as National Agrobiodiversity Year. Genebank complex is with SMART (scientifically managed agricultural research and technology) system creating insects, birds and microbes friendly.

Genebank requests all research stations, department of agriculture, livestock services, department of forests and soil conservation, universities, I/NGOs and communities for giving due focus on conservation and utilization of native AGRs. Let’s work together for making existing agrobiodiversity available forever to all. NAGRC feels happy to share germplasm, knowledge and data, publications. Followings are the requests of National Genebank to consider during planning and implementation of programs and activities.

1. Development, generation and promotion of native/ maulik technologies, AGRs and marketing of native products and technologies at national and international levels, minimizing the replacement of native technologies by exotic one
2. Development and promotion of site specific stable crops/ varieties (food, vegetable, grain legumes, fruits), livestock and fish 
3. Implementation of red zoning and red listing system across the country
4. Establishment of system of collection of native landraces before implementing cultivation or extension of modern varieties and breeds
5. Establishment of field genebank, aqua pond genebank, insect and microbial field genebank, forage field genebank, livestock farm genebank, school field genebank, agro gene sanctuary in government offices, school, college, religious sites, wetland, public areas, road sides etc
6. Plantation of agricultural genetic resources, wild species and wild relatives in city areas, along the road sides and public areas
7. Recognition of agrobiodiversity rich farmers
8. Consideration of each farmer’s household as household genebank and shop
9. Profile preparation of all locally available agricultural genetic resources at local and district levels and by offices from their working areas
10. Use of native genetic resources and technologies in research and education and establishment of accessioning system in agricultural research
11. Development of self dependent agricultural research system
12. Organization of food fair, and diversity fair
13. Ensuring market of each agricultural item and irrigation facilities
14. Establishment of nursery of native AGRs, free distribution as gift, agroplantation on different occasions
15. Contribute to develop a National Pride Project based on native agricultural genetic resources
16. Use and promotion of geographical indication and marketing of native products globally
17. Development of site specific food recipe and at least one native local product in each shop, restaurant, tea shop, hotel, etc
18. Make research and production areas insects, birds and microbial friendly
19. Product diversification of native products and expansion of their market
20. Development of web portal for AGRs and native technologies