An improtant germplasm storing centre in India is

Options

A. CDRI (central drug research institute)
B. FRI (forest research institute)
C. ICRISAT (international crops and research institute for semi-arid tropics)
D. NEERI (national environmental engineering research institute)

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Germplasm**: Germplasm refers to the genetic material of plants, which includes all the alleles of genes present in a crop. It is essential for breeding programs and conservation of plant diversity.

2. **Methods of Germplasm Storage**: Germplasm can be stored using various methods, including:
- Seed banks, where seeds are preserved for future use.
- Tissue culture, which involves growing plant cells in a controlled environment.
- Cultivated crops, which maintain genetic diversity.

3. **Identifying Germplasm Centers in India**: India has several centers dedicated to the storage and research of germplasm. One of the most significant centers is the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

4. **Evaluating the Options**: The question provides four options:
- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)
- Forest Research Institute (FRI)
- International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
- National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)

5. **Selecting the Correct Answer**: Among the options, ICRISAT is specifically focused on the research and storage of germplasm, particularly for crops suited to semi-arid regions. The other institutes mentioned focus on drug research, forest conservation, and environmental issues, respectively.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question "An important germplasm storing centre in India is" is **International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)**.

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