Recently Maharashtra has decided to set up a “Gene

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· To conserve native and endangered animals, crops, marine and biological species, Maharashtra has decided to set up a gene bank project. · The ‘Maharashtra Gene Bank Project’ will work on seven themes -- marine, crop, veterinary, freshwater, grassland biodiversity, protection and management of forest right areas, and regeneration of forests. · It will tap into indigenous knowledge resources, work on documenting these species and the knowledge of local communities and preserve these genetic and molecular samples. In the next five years, an amount of ₹172.39 crore will be spent on these seven focus areas. · The project will also focus on mitigating the impact on the food chain due to climate change. The project will be implemented by the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board (MSBB) and will be overseen by committees under the chief secretary and the principal secretary (forests).