News on Training cum Awareness Programme on PPV&FRA and PGR Conservation

The ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi has organized a farmer’s training cum awareness programmes on “Farmer’s Rights under PPV&FRA act 2001 and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources” on 31st July, 2023 at village Mallana, Tehsil Tehla, District Alwar, Rajasthan, in collaboration of Department of Agriculture, district Alwar, Government of Rajasthan. The programnme was organized with support of PPV&FRA, New Delhi. The programme was attended by 110 farmers, majority of them were tribals from >five villages. Mr. OP Dharaiwal (NBPGR) welcomed the farmers and explained about the activities of NBPGR on management of plant genetic resources, importance of farmers varieties and importance of genebank. Dr. SP Ahlawat (NBPGR) spoke on the PPV&FR Act, authority, rights of farmers, genefund and provision of awards and process of registration of farmers varieties. Unique landraces of crops like Kharchia wheat, moth, Jakharana, moonchwali and peeli bajri, sangri etc. were also highlighted in the talk. Mr. Chimanlal Meena, Asstt. Agriculture officer, explained on the schemes and programmes of the agriculture department for benefit of farmers. Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Asstt. Agriculture officer, also talked about the rich diversity in crops, plants of Rajasthan and need for their conservation. Dr. KC Bahtt (NBPGR) talked on the quality, traits and importance of landraces, farmers varieties for nutritional security, climate change and health benefits. At the end, Mrs. Manisha Chaudhary, Agriculture Supervisor, Mallana gave vote of thanks. The vegetable seed kit “Pusa Beej” consisting seeds of (Bottlegourd, spongegourd, ladiesfinger, spinach, vegetable cowpea, amaranth, sembean and brinjal) were distributed to the farmers with support of TSP scheme.