Promotion of Traditional Agricultural Produce and Seeds

Why in news

The government has implemented various measures for the conservation, research, production, value addition, and promotion of traditional agricultural produce and indigenous crop varieties.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS3, GS4 · Society, Economy, Governance, Environment & Ecology · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The government is promoting traditional agricultural produce and indigenous crop varieties.
2. ICAR, through NBPGR and its research institutes, collects, characterizes, and conserves indigenous germplasm.
3. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001, grants Intellectual Property Rights to traditional and farmers' varieties.
4. As of July 15, 2026, 5346 farmer's varieties have been registered by the PPV&FR Authority.
5. The National Gene Fund, established under the PPV&FR Act, 2001, promotes conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
6. The National Gene Fund incentivizes farmers and communities through benefit-sharing, awards, and recognition schemes.
7. 45 Plant Genome Saviour Community Awards have been given so far.

Prelims pointers

• The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act was enacted in 2001.
• The PPV&FR Authority is responsible for registering farmer's varieties.
• The National Gene Fund supports conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources.
• Plant Genome Saviour Community Awards recognize conservation efforts by farmers and communities.

Mains practice question

Discuss the significance of promoting traditional agricultural produce and indigenous crop varieties in India. Analyze the role of legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms in achieving these objectives.

Static linkage

The initiative relates to India's agricultural biodiversity, intellectual property rights concerning plant varieties, and the conservation of indigenous genetic resources, linking to concepts like agro-biodiversity, farmer's rights, and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001.

Significance

Promoting traditional agricultural produce and indigenous seeds is crucial for preserving India's rich agro-biodiversity, ensuring food security through resilient crop varieties, and empowering local farming communities. It also supports sustainable agricultural practices and can lead to the development of niche markets for unique produce, thereby enhancing farmer incomes and rural livelihoods. Granting IPRs to farmers' varieties recognizes their contribution to conservation and innovation.