Kargil’s ‘Suii’ farmer pomegranate variety granted protection under PPV&FRA Act, 2001

2 April 2026, Solapur

In a significant milestone for agrobiodiversity conservation and farmer-led innovation, the farmer-developed variety “Suii” from Sanjak village in Kargil has been granted protection under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 today. It is the first for a pomegranate variety from the cold desert region of Ladakh.

The registration process was facilitated by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Pomegranate, which functions as the nodal centre for DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing in pomegranate across the country. The effort was carried out in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kargil.

“Suii” is a unique farmer variety developed in the high-altitude, temperate conditions of Ladakha region traditionally not associated with pomegranate cultivation. Its successful recognition under the PPV&FRA Act highlights both the adaptive potential of crops in non-traditional regions and the critical role of local farmers in conserving and improving plant genetic resources.

The variety is credited to Shri. Kacho Vilayat, a progressive farmer from Sanjak village in Kargil district. His efforts in nurturing this unique variety have now been acknowledged at the national level through formal intellectual property protection.

Scientists from ICAR-NRCP, undertook extensive field visits to Kargil during 2024–25 to conduct DUS testing. The initiative was supported by Dr R. A. Marathe, Director, ICAR-NRCP, Solapur. Their work ensured that the variety met the required criteria for registration. With the proactive role of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, this marks the first time a farmer-developed pomegranate variety from Kargil has received such protection.

Officials from ICAR-NRCP, Solapur and KVK, Kargil congratulated Shri. Vilayat on the achievement, stating that such recognition not only validates grassroots innovation but also motivates farmers to preserve indigenous genetic resources. They emphasized that providing legal protection and exclusive rights to farmers strengthens efforts toward the conservation and management of crop diversity.

Experts believe that the success of “Suii” will encourage more farmers to identify and conserve unique plant variants, contributing to varietal diversification in pomegranate cultivation across India. The move is also expected to inspire sustainable agricultural practices in climatically challenging regions, potentially turning more farmers into custodians of the nation’s genetic resources.

(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate, Solapur)