File picture of an OUAT-run gene bank in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, June 12: The central research station at Odisha University Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) will be upgraded to include a gene bank to preserve the genetic material of plants and animals threatened by the changing climatic conditions.

“Gene banks are used to store and conserve genetic resources of major crops and animals to conserve biodiversity. This can be done by preserving the cuts of plants and stocking seeds and freezing the sperm and eggs of animals,” said OUAT vice-chancellor D.P. Ray.

Around 130 varieties of paddy, vegetables, pulses and spices developed by OUAT will be preserved in the first phase. The gene bank will be handled by the university’s department of plant breeding. The need for a gene bank was felt after some researchers found that some rice varieties found in Koraput and Kalahandi had become extinct.

The existing station will be added with new facilities to preserve the local germplasm from various rice varieties, especially the scented ones and some indigenous varieties, he said. Besides this, the gene bank will also preserve the genetic material of important animal varieties such as sheep, goat and buffalo. “At least 250 varieties of medicinal plants will be preserved at this centre,” said Ray. “Although we are yet to decide on the budget, it will be part of the infrastructure development project with the money sanctioned by the Centre,” said Ray.

The varsity was allocated Rs 50 crore in the Union Budget 2012. Of this, the varsity plans to invest Rs 37 crore on infrastructure development. This will include new hostels and additional college buildings at the College of Agriculture and College of Horticulture in Chipilima and College of Horticulture at Bhawanipatna.

The varsity is also planning a multipurpose central auditorium and a new girls' hostel for fisheries students on its main campus here. This apart, hostels and several existing buildings will be renovated, said Ray.

The remaining Rs 13 crore will spent on research. “Research projects in colleges of veterinary, agriculture, fisheries and home science will be funded,” Ray said.