DIMAPUR: An awareness programme on “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights” was organised at Medziphema on June 23 by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre in collaboration with PPV&FRA Guwahati, KVK Dimapur and ICAR NRC on Mithun.
Guest of honour, Deputy Registrar PPV&FRA Guwahati, Dr. Atul Chandra Sarma, underscored the significance of the PPV&FR Act in recognising farmers as custodians of plant genetic resources and protecting their rights over traditional varieties.
Chief guest, Director NRC on Mithun, Medziphema, Dr. Girish Patil, urged farmers to actively conserve and register indigenous crop varieties, describing them as invaluable assets for future food and nutritional security. Director SAMETI, Medziphema, Bodevi Shuya, stressed stronger collaboration among institutions, extension agencies and farmers to promote awareness, while DAO Chümoukedima, Moainla Pongen, encouraged farmers to utilise opportunities under the PPV&FR Act.
Delivering a technical presentation, Scientist ICAR Nagaland Centre, Dr. Harendra Verma, explained the process and benefits of registering traditional crop varieties, encouraging documentation and conservation of unique landraces.
The programme brought together scientists, KVK officials, extension personnel, technical staff and farmers from Chümoukedima and Niuland districts, with 109 participants. The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. H. Kalita, HoRC, ICAR Nagaland Centre, and concluded with an interactive session.
