National Genetic Resources Center Ngrc

The activities of collecting and preserving genetic resources started in the early seventies of the past twentieth century in Al-Koud research station, Abyan governorate. Then the unit of plant genetic resources was established within The Agricultural Research Authority in 1989. For more than three decades, the germplasm of several major crops were collected from various governorates in cooperation with many regional and international organizations and research centers. The various branches of the Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA) took part in implementing activities relating to the renewal, maintenance and evaluation of some crops like wheat, barley and lentil. In 2002, a decree was issued to establish the National Genetic Resources Center (NGRC) at AREA's headquarters in Dhamar Governorate, as a specialized center and a competent national entity concerned with the conservation of plant biodiversity in Yemen from the risks of various threats and causes of deterioration.