ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana

ICAR–NRCB organized a Biodiversity Fair cum Farmers’ Meet at the occasion of launch of the project on Banana Field bank and to create awareness among farmers about Intellectual Property (IP), Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA). Over 120 farmers, entrepreneurs, and members of the general public, participated. The main objective of the event was to create awareness about the protection of the farmers varieties which could be register under PPV&FRA. This initiative is to support the banana genetic conservation and to prevent the loss of valuable genetic resources. The programme also aimed to educate farmers about PPV&FRA and its significance. During the function, a new project titled “Field Gene Bank for Maintenance of Plant Varieties Registered for Banana under PPV&FRA, Government of India, New Delhi” was inaugurated. Notably, for the first time, a field gene bank for any crop has been established. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the conservation of banana genetic resources, and it is expected to pave the way for the establishment of more such gene banks in the future, thereby strengthening efforts toward biodiversity conservation and the protection of registered plant varieties in India. During the welcome address, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director of ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB), highlighted the importance and significance of the programme and explained the rationale behind organizing it. He informed that a total of 11 banana varieties have been registered, including traditional varieties such as Karu Vaalai from Kolli Hills and Chingan from Nagercoil, along with other varieties developed by NRCB. He further emphasized the vital role of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) in promoting and safeguarding banana traditional varieties. The event was graced by Dr. T. Mohapatra, Chairperson, PPVFRA; Dr. D. K. Agarwal, Registrar General, PPVFRA; and Dr. V. B. Patel, Assistant Director General, ICAR (KAB-II). The Field Gene Bank of banana was inaugurated by Dr. T. Mohapatra along with other dignitaries. A total of 19 banana varieties have been conserved in the gene bank, including 11 farmers’ varieties and 8 newly developed varieties. Following this, the Biodiversity Fair was inaugurated at ICAR–NRCB, where more than 100 banana varieties, along with technologies and value-added products, were showcased. In the presidential address, Dr. T. Mohapatra highlighted that horticultural production has reached significant level, reflecting a growth of around 4 percent. He emphasized the importance of agro-biodiversity conservation for crop improvement and noted that farmers play a crucial role in the development and preservation of crop varieties. He also spoke about the PPV&FRA Act (2001), which recognizes farmers’ varieties and contributions. He further stated that farmers are regularly awarded, rewarded, and recognized for conserving plant genetic resources. These awards carry and cash prize of ₹10 lakh for community, ₹1 lakh for individual farmers. Additionally, farmers can receive up to ₹15 lakh over three years for conservation efforts. He noted that due to declining interest in farming, genetic diversity is at risk, and therefore the Government of India is supporting the establishment of field gene banks for crops such as coconut, banana, and pomegranate. Conserved plant varieties can be multiplied and utilized on a large scale. Dr. D. K. Agarwal highlighted that the PPV&FRA Act has been in operation for the past 25 years. He explained that the Act supports not only the registration of new varieties but also traditional farmers’ varieties for future breeding and multiplication. So far, over 10,500 varieties have been registered out of 21,500 applications, of which nearly 50 percent are of farmers’ varieties. He also mentioned that India has achieved significant progress in conservation efforts in recent years and that registration is free for farmers. He concluded by sharing success stories of a farmer from Karnataka. Dr. V. B. Patel elaborated on breeders’ and farmers’ rights under the PPV&FRA Act, particularly for perennial horticultural crops, where production has increased significantly (up to 14.8 times). Mr. Raj Ganesh, Legal Advisor, PPV&FRA, interacted with farmers and explained the importance of the Act. He clarified that India is unique in allowing the registration of farmers’ varieties in addition to new varieties. He also explained that registration is free for farmers and guided them on how to complete the application process. The event also included awareness sessions on the balanced use of fertilizers, highlighting that balance fertilizer usage can be reduced by up to 25 percent without affecting yield. 120 farmers and scientists actively participated in the programme, contributing to its grand success. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. M. S. Saraswathi.