DIBRUGARH, March 8 - Farmers� varieties have been utilised in developing improved varieties of various crops, both by private and public seed producing sectors. However, very little is known to most of the farmers about the registration procedure of their own variety and the financial benefit out of it.
In this context, a daylong awareness programme and training on �Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer�s Rights Act, 2001� was organised at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dibrugarh.
The programme was held with the financial support from Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers� Rights (PPV&FR) Authority, Government of India. Altogether 101 farmers and farm women from 15 villages of six blocks of Dibrugarh district participated in the training programme.
Dr Rupam Borgohain, Professor and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jorhat, elaborated on different aspects of Farmer�s Right in PPV&FR, 2001, and attended to the queries of participating farmers. Arup Kumar Sarma, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection) of KVK, Dibrugarh, highlighted on Intellectual Property Right and its different tools.
Dr Aradhana Barooah, SMS (Soil Science), briefed on technical aspects on registration procedures of farmer�s variety and Dr HK Bhattacharyya, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Dibrugarh, explained the procedures of filling of application for registration.
Rubul Gohain, ADO of Rahmoria Block, and Firoj Moran, ADO of Panitola Block, were also present in the programme and encouraged the farmers to come forward actively for registration of their own plant varieties that can be protected.
