Safeguarding Plant Diversity: ICRISAT's Genebank Repatriates Four Crops to South Korea

As part of its commitment to safeguarding global food security, the ICRISAT Genebank recently repatriated four key crops—sorghum, groundnut, foxtail millet, and proso millet—to South Korea’s National Genebank. This effort aligns with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), a global initiative aimed at conserving and sustainably using plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. 

The repatriation is part of ICRISAT’s ongoing mission to restore and protect plant diversity worldwide. Since its inception, ICRISAT’s Genebank has collaborated with 12 national programs to support their efforts in preserving plant genetic resources. This most recent consignment was flagged off by Dr Jacqueline d'Arros Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, and overseen by Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head of the ICRISAT Genebank. 

“Protecting and conserving plant diversity is imperative to ensure we have the resources to feed our growing global population,” said Dr Hughes. “Through initiatives like this, where we share vital plant genetic resources, ICRISAT is fulfilling its commitment to global food security."

ICRISAT’s Genebank holds one of the world’s most extensive collections of plant genetic resources, ensuring that these invaluable seeds are available for research, breeding, and restoration.

“Our partnership with South Korea reflects our shared responsibility to preserve plant biodiversity for future generations. The crops we have repatriated are not just seeds—they are the foundation of resilient agricultural systems that can adapt to changing environments and feed millions,” shared Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head of the ICRISAT Genebank.

[L-R]: Dr ML Jat, Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems; Dr Sean Mayes, Research Program Director for Accelerated Crop Improvement; Dr Jacqueline d'Arros Hughes, Director General; Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head-Genebank; and Dr Rajan Sharma, Principal Scientist I-Crop Protection and Seed Health.

This work aligns with SDGs 2, 3, 13 & 17.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Tahira Carter

Head – Communications

• tahira.carter@icrisat.org
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