Plant Genome Saviour Awards Ceremony

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, participated in the ‘Plant Genome Saviour Awards Ceremony’ held at C. Subramaniam Hall, Pusa Campus, New Delhi. The event celebrated the Silver Jubilee of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FRA) Act, 2001 and the 21st Foundation Day of PPV&FRA.

Key Highlights

• Shri Chouhan commended the PPV&FRA Authority for its “remarkable achievements” over the past two decades in protecting plant varieties and farmers’ rights.
• Highlighted the government’s financial incentives of up to ₹15 lakh to promote conservation of seed varieties under the PPV&FRA Act.
• Emphasised the Authority’s role in bridging scientific innovation with traditional wisdom to safeguard India’s agricultural biodiversity.

About PPV&FRA

• Full Name: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority
• Established: 2001, under the PPV&FRA Act
• Ministry: Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Key Roles:
  • Protecting plant varieties and farmers’ rights
  • Ensuring seed sovereignty
  • Promoting sustainable agricultural development
  • Serving as a link between traditional knowledge and modern plant breeding innovations

Significance

• Encourages innovation in plant breeding while recognising the contribution of farmers.
• Strengthens agricultural biodiversity and seed security in India.
• Supports India’s sustainable development goals related to agriculture and food security.

Source: PIB