India, Aug. 13 -- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 15.52 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) proceeds from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, which developed 10 commercial mustard hybrid varieties using India's biological resources.
The funds will be distributed among 26 State Biodiversity Boards and three Union Territory Biodiversity Councils, with the allocation determined based on the area under mustard cultivation in each state.
Rajasthan will receive the highest share of Rs 6.43 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh with Rs 2.28 crore and Madhya Pradesh with Rs 1.86 crore. Haryana, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Gujarat, Bihar and Punjab are among the other major beneficiaries.
The NBA said the ABS proceeds will...