SHILLONG, March 28: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) East Khasi Hills, under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in collaboration with ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, recently organised a one-day workshop and awareness programme on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA), 2001 for farmers from various districts of the state. The event was held at the KVK East Khasi Hills premises in 5th Mile, Upper Shillong.
As part of the programme, an exhibition showcased a wide range of exotic and local plant varieties, with participation from KVK West Khasi Hills, KVK Jaintia Hills, KVK Ri-Bhoi, the Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD), and the ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, among others.
The technical session featured scientists from ICAR-NEH, IBSD, ICAR-CPRS, and KVK East Khasi Hills, who shared their expertise on topics related to the utilisation, conservation and documentation of Meghalaya’s rich biodiversity.
Additionally, inputs were distributed to farmers from East Khasi Hills, sponsored by the ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Mau, Uttar Pradesh, under its NEH Component.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission Chairman-in-Charge, BK Sohliya, emphasised the importance of registering local cultivars under the PPV&FRA Act.
Urging farmers and KVKs to actively work towards identifying and documenting plant species in the state, he also encouraged rural farmers to explore entrepreneurship opportunities while focusing on risk mitigation and product design.
Meanwhile, Dr. A.K. Mohanty, ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, highlighted the role of KVKs as key technology dissemination hubs for farmers. He stressed the need for scientific models of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) and the development of Micro and Mini IFS modules at KVKs and farmers’ fields.
Additionally, he informed that ICAR-ATARI has established two agri-incubation centres in Meghalaya to support and mentor rural entrepreneurs. He also advocated for KVKs to serve as testing centres for crop varieties to be registered under the PPV&FRA Act.
The programme also featured Dr. A. Pattanayak, Former Director of ICAR-IIAB Ranchi and Honorary Technical Adviser to the Meghalaya Farmers’ (Empowerment) Commission, who provided insights into the history and significance of the PPV&FRA Act.
On the occasion, the dignitaries also released a publication titled ‘Khyndiat Ki Jingtip Shaphang Ka Hok U Nongrep Hapoh Ka Ain’ (Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001), published by KVK East Khasi Hills for the benefit of the farming community.
