ICAR-Zonal Project Directorate Zone II, Kolkata organizes sensitization workshop on PPV & FR
Kolkata
15 October 2014
A sensitization workshop on Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights (PPV & FR) was organized by Zonal Project Directorate Zone II, ICAR, Kolkata in collaboration with PPV & FRA, New Delhi at the Zonal Project Directorate Zone II, ICAR, Kolkata  today. Dr. A. K. Singh, Zonal Project Director, Dr. U. K. Dubey, Deputy Registrar, PPV & FRA, Ranchi, Dr. R. P. S. Ratan, Director of Extension, Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, Dr. S. Biswas, Director of Research Extension and Farms (DREF), WBUAFS, Scientists of ZPD Zone II, Programme Coordinators, Subject Matter Specialists and Representative Farmers of 30 selected KVKs under this zone attended the workshop.
Dr. A. K. Singh appreciated the progress in registration of traditional varieties of different crops by the mediation of KVKs during the last two years. He informed that in view of the excellent performance by the KVKs of Zone II, PPV& FRA has sanctioned this programme in 30 KVKs of this Zone during 2014-15. Dr Singh urged the farmer to come forward and co-operate with KVKs in this aspect. Earlier Dr. P.P. Pal, Principal Scientist, ZPD narrated about the activities and achievements related to PPV & FR activities conducted by the 24 KVKs of Zone II during the year 2013-14. He informed that 931 crop varieties were sent to PPV & FRA for registration from these KVKs, out of which 439 were of paddy and 131 of vegetables.
Dr. S. Biswas in his address emphasized on the protection of animal breeds and fish species with equal importance like the plant varieties. Dr. R. P. S. Ratan appreciated the crucial role played by the KVKs in registering the varieties under PPV & FRA. He mentioned that with the involvement of the KVKs only it has gained momentum. Dr. U. K. Dubey discussed in details about the PPV & FRA and its various aspects including rewards for farmers and community. He stressed that KVKs should organize the programmes preferably within December 2014 and send a report of the PPV&FRA.
( Source: ICAR-ZPD, Zone II, Kolkata)