Awareness Programme on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act Organised

27 August 2025, Baramulla

A one-day awareness programme on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA) was organised at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baramulla by ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar in collaboration with ICAR-KVK Baramulla. The programme aimed to educate farmers, extension officers, and scientists on the significance of varietal protection, with special emphasis on major crops of Jammu & Kashmir, including apple, walnut, almond, kale, pran, and apricot.

Dr. S. Rajan, Former Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, highlighted that in fruit crops such as walnut and apple, which are largely of seedling origin, every plant can be considered a variety and is therefore eligible for protection under PPV&FRA. He stressed that farmers are essentially breeders, since varietal selection is integral to farming practices. Iconic examples like ‘Dussehri’ mango were cited to demonstrate how farmer-led selection has transformed entire industries. Dr. Rajan also urged to document and register unique selections of walnut and apple to conserve biodiversity and secure economic benefits.

The process of identifying, documenting, and registering varieties individually or collectively was explained in detail. Participants were informed about the economic opportunities of registering unique varieties in collaboration with KVK scientists, state line departments, and ICAR-CITH Srinagar. The importance of developing planting material through propagation to establish farmer-led business models was also underscored.

Government provisions under PPV&FRA were shared with participants, including a shorter one-year testing period for farmers’ varieties (compared to two years for scientists) and the waiver of registration fees for farmers, in contrast to the ₹50,000 fee applicable to scientists. Documentation of germplasm was emphasized as a crucial step for conserving temperate fruit diversity and ensuring long-term food security.

The programme witnessed active participation from scientists of ICAR-CITH Srinagar and ICAR-KVK Baramulla, Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs), Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs), and innovative farmers from Baramulla district. An interactive session facilitated meaningful discussions, exchange of ideas, and clarification of queries, significantly enhancing awareness of the practical steps involved in varietal protection.

The event sensitized the farming community and field officers on the urgent need to protect the rich diversity of walnut and apple in Jammu & Kashmir under PPV&FRA. It also encouraged farmers to view varietal registration not only as a conservation initiative but also as a potential pathway for sustainable income generation.

(Source: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baramulla)