Virendra R. Tiwari, Chairman, National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), visited CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTECH), Chandigarh, to explore stronger linkages between biodiversity conservation and microbial resource science.

During the visit, Tiwari interacted with scientists and researchers and visited key facilities, including the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank (MTCC), Fermentation Division and Protein Centre.

A key focus of the engagement was the regulatory framework governing microbial resources and the need to facilitate greater access to authenticated microbial type cultures for researchers and industry.

Scientists at CSIR-IMTECH highlighted the importance of including microbial type cultures, including reference standards maintained by MTCC, in the Normally Traded as Commodities (NTAC) list under Section 40 of the Biological Diversity Act. They said streamlining access to these authenticated cultures could reduce administrative procedures for academic and industrial users and support the Government’s Ease of Doing Business objectives.

The MTCC repository maintains tens of thousands of authenticated microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts and actinomycetes, which are used across sectors such as agriculture, food processing, industrial enzymes and pharmaceuticals.

More than 1,300 MTCC reference cultures serve as reference standards for scientific verification and quality control. Scientists emphasised that facilitating access to these cultures is important for ensuring reproducibility, precision and scientific rigour across India’s research ecosystem.

The NBA Chairman appreciated the quality and maintenance standards of the MTCC facility and recognised its role in microbial conservation and supporting the sustainable use of India’s microbial bioresources.

The visit was also significant as it marked the first formal visit by the top leadership of the NBA to a microbial repository for direct interaction with scientists and students, according to CSIR-IMTECH.

Dr. Alka Rao, Director, CSIR-IMTECH, is also an official member of the National Biodiversity Authority. The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening legal and scientific collaboration for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of India’s microbial bioresources.