Jammu, July 08: The Directorate of Research, Shere-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu in collaboration with Farmer Rights Authority, Government of India organized a sensitization workshop on “Protection of Farmer Plant Varieties and their Commercialization” at Conference Hall, Main Campus Chatha in which farmers from all the districts of Jammu region (Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Rajouri, Doda, Kistwar, Poonch) participated.
Dr. JP Sharma, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu and convener of the workshop while welcoming the farmers / dignitaries, gave detailed presentation regarding farm varieties of Jammu region and stressed to conserve, promote / commercialize the plant genetic resource in collaboration with the farming community of the State. He particularly highlights the importance of basmati, bhaderwah rajmash, anardana, pumpkin and bitter gourd. Dr. R. R. Hanchinal, Chairperson PPV & FRA informed that crop diversity leads to food security, so conservation of plant genetic resource is very important. He guided the farmers about IPR Acts in India, IPR Management, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer Right Act, 2001, Copy Right Act, 1957 etc and focused on various challenges regarding protection of varieties. Dr S. K. Sharma, Former Vice chancellor, CSKHPKV Palampur, gave detailed overview of IPR including farmer rights, privileges as well as awards/rewards which PPV & FRA authority give to farmers for their contribution. Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu expressed satisfaction about the information given by two eminent Scientists in the field of PPV &FRA. While mentioning PPV, a part of biodiversity conservation, he explained the importance of such a sensitizing workshop for the farmers, that is also an eye opener for Agricultural Scientists. He stressed that KVK Scientists should help the farmers for filling the forms regarding registration of plant material with PPV & FRA authority. He further assured to strengthen the IPR cell in Varsity campus. The programme concludes with the interaction meeting between the PPV & FRA officers and farmers of Jammu Division.
Besides Director Agriculture Jammu, Sh S.S. Jamwal, Nodal Officer, IPR Cell SKUAST-J Dr A.K. Razdan, the programme was also attended by all the Officers and concerned Scientists of SKUAST-Jammu. The proceedings of the workshop were carried out by Dr. Sumati Kumari, Dr. Panotra, Dr Vivek and Dr Vikas Sharma. Dr Parmod Baru presented vote of thanks.
