Shri Tariq Anwar Conferred Plant Genome Saviour Community Awards

22nd May 2013, New Delhi

Shri Tariq Anwar, Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Government of India conferred 5th Plant Genome Saviour Community Awards 2011-12 at NASC complex, New Delhi here today. While addressing as Chief Guest, Shri Anwar emphazied upon the conservation of plant genetic resources and said breeding activities and use of new varieties are the decisive factors for improving rural income and overall economic development. He also appreciated the Farmers’ Right Act for recognizing the multiple roles played by farmers in cultivation, conservation, development and selection of varieties. Shri Anwar congratulated Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Authority (PPV & FRA) for its endeavors in conserving plant genetic wealth and indentifying plant genome saviour farmers and communities.

Dr. R.S. Paroda, Chairman, TAAS; Shri A.K. Srivastava, Additional Secretary, DAC, Shri Atanu Purkayastha, Joint Director (Seeds/TMOP/TJM/TMC)also graced the occasion. Four plant genome saviour communities from four different states were awarded with Rs. 10 lakh cash, citation, certificate and memento, while 10 plant genome saviour farmers got cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh each were awarded on the occasion. Fifteen farmers were also felicitated with Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognition. These awards, rewards and recognition are instituted by PPV & FRA. The dignitaries also released three publications of PPV & FRA on the occasion. The PPV & FRA also organized a National Dialogue on Farmers’ Right to seek guidance and initiate dialogue with policy makers and stakeholders to implement the various provisions of the Farmers’ Right Act.

Earlier, Dr. R.R. Hanchinal, Chairperson, PPV & FRA welcomed the dignitaries and briefed the gathering about the objectives of the authority.

Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Registrar General, PPV & FRA proposed vote of thanks.

(Source: NAIP Mass Media Project, DKMA, ICAR)