A day-long awareness programme titled “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer Rights (PPV&FRA)” held here at Budgam today.The programme was organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam.Vice-Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST), Professor Nazir Ahmad was the chief guest while as Deputy Commissioner Budgam Mohammad Harun Malik, Dr. Ravi Prakash, Registrar PPV&FRA Authority, (Govt of India), Professor M.Y Zargar Director Research (SKUAST-K) and Professor Mushtaq Ahmad Director Extension (SKUAST-K) were guests of honor on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, V-C SKUAST Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmad said Valley in general and Budgam in particular bestowed with fertile land and has huge potential for the cultivation of different varieties of agriculture and horticulture.The V-C informed that Government is mulling to establish the minimal processing unit for the vegetable growers to provide them all facilities including processing, cleaning, and packaging under one roof.“The unit will be as a vegetable cluster and will provide better market facilities in and outside the State,” he said.He stressed that farmers should avail all the new technologies and should remain connected with scientists at local KVK centers for the progressive farming. Professor Nazir stressed that farmers should preserve the local seed varieties which he said were unique in quality and have better taste.
DC Budgam, Mohammad Harun Malik while appreciating the role of KVK Budgam for introducing new technologies and concepts for the progressive farming in the district said that farmers should getbenefited from new concepts like ‘Lab to Land’.He said that locals instead of brick kilns should utilize their land for agricultural and horticultural proposes in the district which will help in soil conservation.The programme also highlighted the protection of the rights of the farmers in the development, protection and acceleration of variety (seed planting material).A booklet titled ‘Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmer’s Rights Act’ (an overview) by directorate of extension SKUAST Kashmir was also released on the occasion.The proceedings of the awareness program were conducted by the Programme Coordinator, Dr. Nasir A Dar, KVK Budgam.Besides, officers from the line department, scientists from various research and extension units of SKUAST and KVK Budgam around 200 farmers also attended the programme.