Archive · 5 Sep 2026
NBA Chairman Reviews Microbial Conservation at CSIR-IMTECH in Chandigarh
Virendra R. Tiwari, who leads the National Biodiversity Authority, visited a research institute in Chandigarh.
The institute stores many carefully identified microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
Scientists use these microorganisms for research, farming, food production, medicines and industrial work.
Tiwari visited several laboratories and talked with researchers and students.
The scientists discussed rules for obtaining and using these microbial materials.
They said that easier access to reference cultures could help researchers and businesses work more efficiently.
They also said these cultures are important for checking whether scientific results are accurate.
The visitors and scientists agreed to work together to protect and responsibly use India’s microbial resources.
National Biodiversity Authority Chairman Virendra R. Tiwari visited CSIR-IMTECH in Chandigarh on September 5.
Tiwari toured the Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank, Fermentation Division and Protein Centre.
Scientists discussed regulations governing microbial resources, including the proposed inclusion of type cultures in the NTAC list.
Researchers said easier access to more than 1,300 reference strains could reduce administrative procedures and support reliable research.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen legal and scientific partnerships for conserving and sustainably using India’s microbial resources.
- Who
- National Biodiversity Authority Chairman Virendra R. Tiwari, CSIR-IMTECH scientists and officials.
- What
- Tiwari visited the institute, reviewed its microbial resource facilities and discussed conservation and regulatory issues.
- When
- September 5; the report identifies the day as Saturday but does not specify a year.
- Where
- CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh, India.
- Why
- To review microbial resource conservation and strengthen links between biodiversity regulation and microbial science.
Easier Scientific Access
Regulatory Oversight
Treatment of reference cultures
Easier Scientific Access
CSIR-IMTECH scientists said microbial type cultures and reference standards should be included in the Normally Traded as Commodities list to streamline access.
Regulatory Oversight
The National Biodiversity Authority and institute officials discussed the regulatory framework governing these resources, with conservation and legal compliance remaining central to their use.
Administrative procedures
Easier Scientific Access
Scientists said easier access to authenticated microbial materials would reduce administrative procedures for academic researchers and industries and support the government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative.
Regulatory Oversight
The visit focused on strengthening legal and scientific partnerships for the protection and sustainable utilisation of microbial resources.
- Repository
- Microbial Type Culture Collection and Gene Bank at CSIR-IMTECH
- Collection
- Tens of thousands of authenticated bacteria, fungi, yeasts and actinomycetes
- Reference strains
- More than 1,300 MTCC reference strains are used for scientific verification and quality control
- Regulatory issue
- Scientists called for microbial type cultures, including reference standards, to be included in the NTAC list under Section 40 of the Biological Diversity Act
- MTCC status
- An International Depositary Authority under the Budapest Treaty for patent-related biological deposits
- National designation
- Notified in 2007 as a Designated National Repository under Section 39 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- Facility history
- Established in 1986