JAMMU: The Directorate of Research, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) of Jammu in collaboration with Farmer Rights Authority, Government of India organised a sensitisation 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 viz Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Rajouri, Doda, Kistwar and Poonch Districts participated.
Dr J.P 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 highlighted the importance of Basmati, Bhadarwah Rajmash, Anardana, pumpkin and bitter gourd.
Dr. R.R Hanchinal, Chairperson PPV and 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 and FRA authority give to farmers for their contribution.
Dr. Pradeep K. Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu expressed satisfaction about the information given by two eminent scientists in the field of PPV and FRA.
The programme concluded with the interaction meeting between the PPV and FRA officers and farmers of Jammu Division.
Besides Director Agriculture Jammu, 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.