On farmers day, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, SKUAST-K, Nyoma, held an awareness programme on ‘Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Right Act’ on December 23 in Mudh village of Nyoma block, Changthang.

Village head along with farmers and dignitaries from HMAARI, Stakna, and RRS, CAZRI, Leh, participated.

After welcoming the participants, Dr. Anwar Hussain, Scientist, Post Harvest Technology spoke about the nine rights under this act, which came into existence in 2001.

The rights are Right to access to seed, Right of benefit sharing, Right to compensation, Right to farmer’s recognition and reward for contributing to conservation, Right to registration of farmer’s varieties, Right to prior authorization for the commercialisation of essentially derived varieties, Right to registration of crops, Right to exemption from registration fees for farmers and Right to farmers protection from the innocent infringement.

Barley and local pea have been registered by the research institute on behalf of the farmers of Changthang region and more crops can be registered which are distinct to avail the benefits of the aforesaid act.

Dr. T.H. Masoodi, Associate Director Research and Extension, HMAARI, SKUAST-K, Stakna Leh, stressed farmers about conservation of seeds, production of seeds and seedlings and cultivation of more and more vegetables in order to avoid dependency on others. He informed the farmers about various skill development programmes being undertaken by HMAARI, Stakna and stressed on their enrolment in these programmes.\r\n

Talking about plantation of more and more trees he said that Changthang region has a low level of oxygen and humidity in the atmospheric air, thus it is important to plant the genotypes which are best suited to the region.

Dr. M.S. Chauhan, Head, RRS, CAZRI, Leh, Dr. Hanuman Lal Verma, Scientist, Agriculture Extension, Dr. M.S. Kanwar, Head/Senior Scientist also spoke on the occasion.