New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released Rs 8.22 crore to three research institutions and 33 State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils under the access and benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanism for the use of Indian rice varieties in developing and commercialising hybrids.

The funds were received from M/s Pioneer Overseas Corporation for using Indian rice (Oryza sativa) varieties. Of the total amount, Rs 2.47 crore has been allocated to research institutions that conserved and supplied the rice varieties, while Rs 5.75 crore has been distributed among 33 State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils based on rice-growing areas.

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice...