Dr. P.K. Mishra calls for recognizing farmers as protectors of agricultural biodiversity

According to a report from PIB Ahmedabad, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, addressed the 22nd Foundation Day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and the Plant Genome Savior Awards ceremony in Ahmedabad. On this occasion, he emphasized that farmers should be given a dignified identity not just as partners in agricultural transformation, but as protectors and innovators of India's agricultural biodiversity. He stressed the need to link farmers' traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, seed systems, and vast market opportunities.

Dr. Mishra noted that 25 years have been completed since the implementation of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001. He stated that India's rich agricultural biodiversity is extremely important for developing crops that can withstand climate change, water scarcity, and various diseases. In this context, he cited the example of Koraput in Odisha, which is an excellent example of community-based conservation and received global recognition in 2012. He also mentioned the country's 22 agri-biodiversity hotspots.

Speaking about India's scientific achievements, he stated that the National Genebank at ICAR-NBPGR is the second largest genebank in the world. Approximately 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed by the country's National Agricultural Research System. He praised the legal framework that maintains a balance between the rights of farmers and the rights of plant breeders. Additionally, he added that the National Gene Fund and benefit-sharing provisions are crucial for making farmers economically empowered.

Praising India's contribution at the international level, Dr. Mishra stated that India has played an active role on the global stage for farmers' rights. He emphasized strengthening community seed banks and field gene banks. He called for making farmers economically self-reliant by linking them with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He clarified that while awards alone honor a farmer, it is the fair share they receive in the market and seed chain that sustains them every season.

PPVFRA is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the 2001 Act. The main objective of this organization is to establish an effective system for the protection of new plant varieties and to protect the rights of farmers. It promotes research and development in the agricultural sector by maintaining a balance between the interests of plant breeders and farmers.