BIS Releases Standard for Community Seed Banks (IS 20201:2026)

Why in News?

The Bureau of Indian Standards has released a new Indian Standard, IS 20201:2026, to strengthen the management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) and promote the conservation of indigenous crop varieties and agricultural biodiversity in India. 

IS 20201:2026 is a voluntary and certifiable Indian Standard developed by the Biodiversity Sectional Committee under BIS’s Environment and Ecology Department.

It provides a structured framework and standardized guidelines for the establishment, operation, and management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) across the country. 

What are Community Seed Banks (CSBs)?

Community Seed Banks are locally managed institutions that enable farmers and communities to:

• Collect and preserve traditional and indigenous seeds.
• Store quality seeds for future use.
• Maintain locally adapted crop varieties.
• Exchange seeds among farmers.
• Enhance seed security and climate resilience.

They play an important role in conserving agricultural biodiversity and safeguarding traditional farming knowledge. 

Key Features of IS 20201:2026

The standard provides guidelines for:

• Community-led and decentralized seed management systems.
• Seed collection, storage, maintenance, and regeneration.
• Documentation and record-keeping of seed varieties.
• Quality assurance and seed exchange mechanisms.
• Conservation of indigenous and climate-resilient crop varieties.
• Institutional governance and operational procedures for seed banks.

About the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• The Bureau of Indian Standards is India’s National Standards Body.
• Functions under the BIS Act, 2016.
• Operates under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

Source: DD