Centralized Plant Introduction agency was initiated in 1946 at IARI in the Division of Botany, ICAR, New Delhi. In 1956 under second five year plan it was expanded as Plant Introduction and Exploration organization; in 1961, further upgraded into an independent Division of Plant Introduction, of IARI, New Delhi. In 1976, upgraded to an independent institute as National Bureau of Plant Introduction (NBPI) and in 1977, rechristened as National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). The Germplasm Exchange and Policy Unit at ICAR-NBPGR as a single window system is responsible for introduction of germplasm of agricultural and horticultural plants. Germplasm Exchange and Policy Unit NBPGR has been instrumental in providing PGR, exotic as well as indigenous collections for crop improvement programmes in the country.

Germplasm introductions have had tremendous impact on Indian agriculture. Significant primary introductions and selections include wheat varieties Ridley (Australia), Lerma Rojo-64 (Mexico), Sonora 64 (Mexico); rice varieties 1R 8, IR 20, IR 36, IR 50 introduced from Philippines; Oat varieties Kent (Australia), Rapida (USA); Pea varieties Bonneville (USA), Early Badger (USA), Arkel (UK), Harbhajan (Portugal); Cowpea varieties Pusa Barsati (Philippines), Pusa Phalguni (Canada); French bean varieities Kentucky wonder (USA), Contender (USA); Soybean varieties Bragg and Lee from USA; Sunflower varieties Peredovik ( erstwhile USSR); tomato varieties Sioux (USA), La Bonita (USA), Dwarf Money maker (Israel); Onion varieties Pusa Ratnar and Early Granofrom USA; Cabbage varieties Pusa drumhead and Frompress (USA)