Established in 1979, the Genetic Resources Unit (GRU), ICRISAT, is implementing short and long-term work plans in areas of germplasm collection, evaluation, maintenance, documentation, conservation and utilisation. The GRU has assembled 93,951 accessions in its gene bank from 125 centres which pertain to sorghum, pear/millet, chickpea, pigeonpea and groundnut. The status of these collections and the collaborative role of GRU in collection and conservaiion of genetic resources in national and international context is stressed. Future lines of activity are indicated. There is a need to have duplicate germplasm conservation centres and collection of wild relatives is stressed. ICRISAT has developed short-term, medium-term and longterm conservation facilities and its gene bank is now operational.
