Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, felicitated farmers and farming communities from across India at the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Awards Ceremony’, held at C. Subramaniam Hall, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The event marked the Silver Jubilee of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001, and the 21st Foundation Day of the Authority.
The Union Minister honoured several outstanding farmer groups and individuals for their exceptional contributions to seed conservation and biodiversity preservation. Among the awardees were the Community Seed Bank of Telangana, Shiksha Niketan of Purba Bardhaman (West Bengal), Mithilanchal Makhana Producers’ Association, CRS-Na Dihing Tenga Unyan Committee of Assam, Shri Bhupendra Joshi of Uttarakhand, Shri T. Joseph of Kerala, Shri Lakshan Pramanik, Shri Ananthamurthy J, Shri Nakul Singh of Bihar, and Shri Narendra Singh of Uttarakhand.
PPV&FRA Act: A Milestone in Seed Conservation
In his keynote address, Shri Chouhan commended the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) for its remarkable achievements over the past two decades. He emphasised that India’s ancient agricultural traditions form the backbone of its civilisation and food security.
“Many indigenous crop varieties are essential not only for nutrition but also for maintaining ecological balance,” he said. “Several traditional seeds were on the verge of extinction, but through the dedication and wisdom of our farmers, they are now being revived.”
The Minister noted that under the PPV&FRA Act, the government provides financial incentives of up to ₹15 lakh to promote conservation of valuable seed varieties. “Seed is the biggest capital of a farmer—it is our fundamental right. While promoting new and high-yielding varieties is essential, preserving traditional seeds is equally important. We must maintain a balance between innovation and conservation,” he added.
Need for Awareness and Simplified Procedures
Shri Chouhan underlined the importance of creating greater awareness among farmers about the PPV&FRA Act. “Even today, many farmers are unaware of its benefits. The registration process must be simplified, transparency improved, and the benefits ensured to reach the grassroots,” he said.
He also indicated that amendments to the PPV&FRA Act will be considered to incorporate new suggestions from stakeholders, ensuring the law remains relevant to modern agricultural challenges.
Recognition for Farmers: Custodians of Biodiversity
Calling farmers the “true custodians of India’s agricultural heritage,” Shri Chouhan urged stronger coordination between PPV&FRA and other related legislations. He highlighted the need for developing a comprehensive scientific database to document and protect traditional seed varieties.
“The farmers who conserve our seeds and biodiversity are preserving not only crops but the cultural and ecological wealth of India. They must be recognized, empowered, and supported at every level,” he stressed.
Voices from the Ministry
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Bhagirath Choudhary praised the organic and natural methods adopted by farmers to conserve plant and seed varieties. He said the PPV&FRA has built a strong institutional framework that encourages innovation and protection in seed conservation. “This empowered system will continue to play a major role in advancing farmers’ welfare while protecting biodiversity,” he added.
Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Ramnath Thakur emphasised the importance of conserving traditional seeds like ‘mandua’ (finger millet) and highlighted their medicinal and nutritional values. He urged the Authority to undertake more proactive initiatives for preservation and research-based promotion of indigenous crop varieties.
Event Attendance
The ceremony was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Director General, ICAR, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Joint Secretary (Agriculture), Shri Ajit Kumar Sahu, Chairperson, PPV&FRA, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Registrar-General, Dr. D.K. Agarwal, senior officials, scientists, and farmers from across India.
About PPV&FRA
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), established under the PPV&FRA Act, 2001, functions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. Its key objectives include:
- Granting intellectual property rights to plant breeders for developing new varieties
- Recognising and rewarding farmers who conserve traditional seeds and biodiversity
- Ensuring farmers’ rights to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds
- Encouraging research, innovation, and sustainable seed conservation
- Maintaining the National Register of Plant Varieties (NRPV)
Over the past 21 years, the Authority has registered thousands of new and traditional plant varieties and recognised the invaluable contribution of farmer communities in safeguarding India’s genetic wealth.
Towards a Sustainable Future
Celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the PPV&FRA Act and the 21st Foundation Day of the Authority marks a major milestone in India’s pursuit of inclusive, sustainable, and farmer-centric agricultural growth. By protecting traditional knowledge and promoting innovation, PPV&FRA continues to uphold India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) — ensuring seed sovereignty and a resilient, biodiverse agricultural ecosystem.
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