Training cum awareness and exhibition organized by ICAR-KVK, CCARI, North Goa under PPV&FRA

 

    ICAR-KVK, CCARI, North Goa conducted a training cum awareness and exhibition under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) at ICAR-CARI, KVK, Old Goa, on March 28, 2025. The chief guest of the function was Dr. R.R. Hanchinal, former Chairperson of the PPV&FRA. He emphasized the journey and registration procedure for the protection of plant varieties and farmers' rights authority (PPV & FRA), trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS), and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGFRA). He explained the goals of PPV&FRA registration, such as protecting farmers' rights to conserve, improve, and make plant genetic resources available, breeder rights, and research and development in both the public and private sectors. Although only 18 plant species were initially registered under this act, a total of 194 plant species can now be registered by farmers. Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, briefed the importance of PPV&FRA and the journey of ICAR-CCARI, Goa, support for farmers' rights, encouraging farmers to adopt new technologies to increase their farm income. Till now, with ICAR-CCARI, Goa support, and guidance for registration of Khola chilli & Cardozo Mankurad mango with PPV & FRA, the Institute has released 28 varieties through SVRC and CVRC, four patents, 22 technologies, and the Plant Genome Saviour Award and other rewards and recognitions in PPV&FRA. Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam, Member Secretary of the State Biodiversity Board, Goa, urged participants to register the local turmeric variety with over 4.6% curcumin content and to conserve native varieties of brinjal and papaya. Dr. N.Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head, explains farmers' rights regarding native seeds, traditional varieties, and landraces in PPV&FRA. Dr. Raghuanadan, Scientist (G&PB), explained the duration of protection for a registered plant variety, which is 18 years for trees and vines, 15 years for other crops, and 15 years for extant varieties from the date of notification by the central government, as well as the criteria for benefit sharing. Dr. Chaudhari, G.V., Scientist (Veg.Sci.), briefed the vegetable plant varieties protection and registration. As part of the event, local rice, vegetables (brinjal, bhindi), root crops, coconut, cowpea, and other genetic material were displayed through the exhibition. This program involved 100 farmers and farm women (including 19 male and 81 female) were participated and benefited. Dr. N.Bomma yasamy, Dr. Rahunanda, Dr. Chaudhari, G.V., Dr. Sanjaykumar, Mr. Rahul Kumar, Mr.Vishwajeet, Mr. Rahul Kulkarni, and Mr. A.K. Tiwari organized the program.