“If all goes well, the gene bank will be operational by February 28. Our scientists have already begun the exercise in this regard. The gene bank would be named as Phasal,” said CIMAP director Dr S P S Khanuja.

The CIMAP claims that the gene bank will be the first of its kind plant conservatory in the country that will document genetic variation in plants useful for treating diseases.

Highlighting the utilities of the gene bank, CIMAP scientists pointed out: “Now, it is high time for the scientists’ fraternity to make serious efforts to protect old varieties of medicinal plants, which in turn can help designing new varieties of plants through genetic engineering. If such old varieties are not protected, they may soon become extinct.”

Besides, the gene bank will also focus on upgrading the quality of the medicinal plants, they added.

According to CIMAP scientists, Plant Variety Protection and Farmers’ Right Authority (PVP and FRA) will support them in setting up the gene bank.

“For encouraging farmers and plant breeders to assist in preserving and developing medicinal and aromatic plants, PVP and FRA have assured to assist us for setting up the gene bank,” said a senior CIMAP scientist.

Terming the gene bank as a boon for plant research, Dr Khanuja called upon the scientists, researchers and employees of CIMAP to upgrade skills and increase output to more than 40 times the present.