Workshop-cum-Awareness Programme on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Act 2001
02 September 2024, Kolkata: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, organised a workshop-cum-awareness programme on the protection of plant varieties and farmers’ rights act, 2001, and an agro-biodiversity exhibition in collaboration with the Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar, at the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puri, Odisha.
The Chief Guest, Dr. T. Mohapatra, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act, 2001 emphasised the vital role of farmers, particularly in tribal areas, as stewards of traditional varieties and landraces. He highlighted the profound future potential in protecting these farmers’ varieties, especially by integrating them into value chains and exploring their commercialization opportunities. Additionally, Dr. Mohapatra also inaugurated the Demo-Unit of ICAR-KVK Puri.
Dr. G. Saha, Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, highlighted the importance of agro-biodiversity and traditional varieties.
Dr. R.R. Burman, Assistant Director General (Agriculture Extension) ICAR, spoke about the detailed plan for the collection and documentation of farmers’ varieties through ICAR-KVKs to ensure their preservation for future generations and the nation.
Special Guest, Dr. Dinesh Kumar Agarwal, Registrar-General of PPVFRA, emphasized the profound importance of the PPVFR Act, 2001. He urged the farmers to register their cherished varieties, thereby unlocking the rights and benefits that this landmark Act bestows upon them.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, accentuated the vital importance of preserving traditional varieties, which are the living treasures of our agricultural heritage. He stated that ICAR-ATARI, in collaboration with the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the region, would unite their efforts to support the conservation and registration of these invaluable genetic resources, safeguarding them for generations to come.
Dr. P.J. Mishra, Dean, Directorate of Extension Education, OUAT, highlighted the contribution of Odisha’s KVKs in the conservation of plant varieties.
The dignitaries briefed about the importance of farmers’ rights and the process of registering farmers’ varieties.
The event saw the submission of more than 120 applications for registration of farmers’ varieties covering various crops from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha, and West Bengal. An exhibition showcasing traditional varieties of rice, pulses, millets, and other crops was also organised.
More than 150 farmers, scientists, Heads of ICAR-KVKs, and staff of OUAT-KVKs attended the workshop.
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