Mir Aatif
Bandipora, Aug 05 (KINS): Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez, organised a one-day awareness programme on the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA) at Gurez on Wednesday.
The programme aimed to educate farmers about protecting traditional crop varieties, conserving agricultural biodiversity and registering local crops under the PPV&FRA.
MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Gurezi attended as the chief guest. Around 150 farmers, farm women, young entrepreneurs and officials from various departments also participated.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA said Gurez has great agricultural potential and stressed the need to promote and preserve its traditional crops. He appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-K and KVK Gurez in conserving indigenous crop varieties.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez Mukhtar Ahmad encouraged farmers to take part in training programmes and help preserve local crop varieties.
Scientists from SKUAST-K highlighted the importance of conserving heritage crops, protecting agricultural biodiversity and registering eligible traditional varieties under the PPV&FRA. They also shared information about improved crop varieties being promoted in the region.
During the programme, the first patent developed by KVK Gurez was unveiled, and a publication on the revival of heritage buckwheat cultivation in the Bagtore area of Gurez was released.
A biodiversity exhibition displaying cereals, pulses, millets and medicinal plants was also organised. The event concluded with an interactive session in which farmers discussed crop conservation and sought technical guidance from experts.(KINS)
