Gurez, Bandipora, Aug 5: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), through its Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS) in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez, organised a one-day capacity-building and awareness programme on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA) at Gurez on Wednesday.
The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers about the conservation of indigenous crop varieties, registration of niche-specific crops, and the provisions of the PPV&FRA. It was sponsored by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), New Delhi.
MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, attended the programme as the chief guest. Among those present were Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) Gurez, officials from various line departments, and around 150 farmers, farm women and young entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Gurezi highlighted the need to conserve traditional crop varieties and encouraged continued efforts to strengthen agriculture in Gurez. He also acknowledged the role of KVK Gurez in promoting heritage crops and supporting farmers through extension activities.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Mukhtar Ahmad said awareness programmes and training initiatives can help improve farming practices in the region. He urged farmers to actively participate in such programmes and contribute to the conservation of indigenous crop varieties.
Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Lone, Professor and Principal Investigator of the project, spoke about the rich agricultural biodiversity of Gurez and stressed the importance of conserving traditional crop varieties. He encouraged farmers to participate in biodiversity conservation programmes under the PPV&FRA and explained the benefits available through registration of indigenous varieties.
Professor Zahoor Ahmad Dar of DARS, SKUAST-K, said KVK Gurez has been working on the revival of heritage crops while also introducing improved crop technologies in the valley. He referred to the promotion of Shalimar Wheat (SW-03) and the expansion of Maize KG-2 cultivation in Gurez.Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik, Head of KVK/MAR&ES Gurez, highlighted the provisions of the PPV&FRA and urged farmers to conserve and register their traditional crop varieties to avail the benefits provided under the Act.
Scientists Dr. Jauhar Rafeeq and Dr. Shahida Altaf also addressed the participants and explained the significance of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act in safeguarding farmers’ interests and preserving local agricultural diversity.
During the programme, the first patent developed by KVK Gurez was unveiled by the chief guest. A publication titled “Revival of Heritage Crop Buckwheat”, prepared by the KVK Gurez team, was also released, documenting efforts towards the revival and promotion of buckwheat cultivation in the Bagtore area of Gurez.
A biodiversity exhibition showcasing cereals, pulses, millets and medicinal plants was organised on the occasion, providing farmers with information on the conservation and promotion of local crop diversity.
Dr. Rayees Ahmad presented the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with an interactive session during which farmers shared their experiences and interacted with scientists on issues related to crop conservation and registration under the PPV&FRA.