Phek, March 30 (MExN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek organised awareness cum training programme on ‘Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights’ on March 29 at Oasis Resource Centre, Sekruzu Town, Chozuba.
A press release from KVK Phek stated that in order to provide effective system for the protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders and to encourage the development of new varieties of plants, it has been considered necessary to recognize and to protect the rights of the farmers in respect of their contributions made at any time in conserving, improving and making available plant genetic resources for the development of new plant varieties. The Government of India enacted ‘The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001’, which recognizes the contributions of both commercial plant breeders and farmers in plant breeding activity that supports the specific socio-economic interests of all the stakeholders including private, public sectors and research institutions, as well as resource-constrained farmers.
The programme at Sekruzu Town was graced by Hewoto Sema, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Phek and Chumbenthung Murry, EAC Sekruzu, Phek. The DAO Phek briefed the farmers about the traditional agricultural practices of Phek and the prospects of growth in the field of agriculture. He explained about the rich biodiversity of Phek district and emphasized on conservation of the same. He further encouraged farmers to register their native varieties of pulses, cereals and other horticultural crops notified under the Act. Stressing on the importance of integrated farming system for sustainable production in the event of climate change, he also advised the participating farmers to abstain from burning of jungles.
Chumbenthung, EAC Sekruzu, told the farmers about the importance of registering the plant varieties as that will ensure their rights over their treasured genetic material. He called upon the farmers to relay the information to their fellow farmers in the greater interest of the agrarian community. The rights granted under the Act were briefly explained by Esther T. Longkumer, ACTO, KVK Phek.
An exhibition of local plant varieties was also organised during the programme, where about 26 farmers from six villages, namely Phugü, Zulhami, Ruzhazu, Khutsa, Thürtsusü and Sekruzu, brought their exhibits and displayed the uniqueness of the varieties.
