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Genome sequences of more than 3,000 rice varieties have been placed with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) by the world's leading rice research institute in a move boosting plans to set up a global data exchange system for crop genetic resources.

The Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Treaty (ITPGRFA) made the announcement at the 6th session of the Governing Body of the FAO-based 136-member nation plant treaty that is being held in Rome this week.

Around the world governments and organisations are storing genetic material in seed banks, but without one single gateway to genetic resource data, it is very difficult for researchers and plant breeders to know what is held where and what genetic resources are contained in the seeds.

The Rome meeting will discuss how to enhance the current multi-lateral system through the creation of one Global Information System on Plant Genetic Resources. This system containing information including on how to access genetic material and seed samples from existing gene banks would be developed and overseen by the Treaty's host, FAO.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has said that India has set a three-year target to sequence the wheat genome and procure better quality variety.

Before 2005 a French group that started sequencing has been successful in doing it for one chromosome, it said. ICAR said in its reply to the RTI application by Gopal Prasad is that “All other partners of the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium including India target to complete the sequencing in the next three years.” t said that uptil now sequencing of the whole wheat genome has been partially successful. “The genome sequenced so far is blueprint only and not the complete genome,” it said.

ICAR said, “Climate change leads to rise in global mean temperature resulting in droughts, flooding, and altered land behaviour. Besides, high temperature during seed-sowing periods adversely affects the production.” Noting that global warming affects wheat production. The Council said that Rs.35 crore was sanctioned by the department of science and technology for genome sequencing. “Between 2011-15, National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology spent Rs.8.71 crore whereas Punjab Agricultural University and UDSC spent Rs.18.33 crore and Rs.7.51 crore respectively,” it said.