Indian Plant Genetic Resource Management System

Abstract

Plants provide raw materials for food, feed, fibre, shelter
and medicines and several other uses. Termed as plant
genetic resources (PGR) these are recognized as tangible
resources of as much importance as soil, water, oil and
minerals. The PGR are characterized by unequal
distribution on earth; with some geographical regions
endowed with greater diversity and called as centres
of diversity. Growth in agriculture throughout the world
has been achieved through two important processes selection
for better traits and introduction of plants from
different geographical regions. Introduction of plants
like rubber, coffee, tea, oil palm has played an important
role in the economies ofmany countries. In India, rubber,
coffee, cashew, sunflower, soybean, and maize are some
of the examples of introduced plants which have become
major crops.