Baramulla: An awareness programme on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA) was organised by ICAR-CITH Srinagar, represented by Dr. Javid Iqbal Mir (Principal Scientist, Biotechnology & Nodal Officer, PPV&FRA, CITH Srinagar, in collaboration with ICAR-KVK Baramulla.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Shoaib Nissar Kirmani (SMS-Horticulture), Dr. Anjali Gairola (SMS-Home Science) and Vishal Vihan (SMS-Agricultural Extension).
The programme aimed to educate farmers, extension officers, and scientists about the importance of varietal protection under PPV&FRA, with special focus on the main crops of Jammu & Kashmir, such as Apple, walnut, almond, kale, Pran, apricot, etc.
The lead speaker, Dr. S. Rajan, Former Director, ICAR-CISH Lucknow, emphasised that in fruit crops like walnut and apple, which are largely of seedling origin, every plant can be considered a variety and thus is eligible for protection. “Every farmer is essentially a breeder, since varietal selection is part of everyday farming practices. Iconic examples such as the ‘Dussehri’ mango demonstrated how farmer-led selection transformed the mango industry. Farmers must take active steps to protect walnut and apple diversity through documentation and registration under PPV&FRA.”
