INDIRA Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, has achieved a significant mile stone in agricultural research and farmers’ welfare with the grant of protection and registration rights for six improved rice varieties by the Plant Variety Protection and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), Government of India. The development is expected to benefit both the university and rice growers across Chhattisgarh by strengthening seed innovation, farmers’ rights and quality seed availability. The registered rice varieties include Sanjeevani Dhan, Chhattisgarh Dhan 1919, PPV&FRAChairman Dr Trilochan Mohapatra hands over registration certificates to Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Vice Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel in New Delhi.

 

Chhattisgarh Hybrid Rice 2, Bauna Luchai, Trombay Chhattisgarh Sona Gathi and Chhattisgarh Bhavya. The registration certificates were for mally handed over to IGKV Vice Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel by PPV&FRA Chairman Dr Trilochan Mohapatra at a function held in New Delhi recently. PPV&FRA Registrar General Dr Dinesh Agrawal, Registrar Deepak Rai Chaudhary and Nodal Officer Dr Deepak Sharma were also present. Registration under the PPV&FRA framework provides breeders and farmers with intellectual property rights, granting exclusive authority for the commercial production, sale and marketing of registered varieties for a period of 15 to 18 years. It also recognises and safe guards farmers’ traditional knowledge while ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds in the agricultural ecosystem. The rice varieties have been developed by IGKV scientists through years of sustained research in collaboration with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, using mutation and radiation techniques. Among them, Sanjeevani Dhan has drawn particular attention for its reported ability toenhance immunity, aid resistance against diseases and exhibit anti-cancer properties.

 

Other registered varieties are short-duration, high-yielding and resistant to multiple diseases, making them suitable for diverse agro-climatic conditions. With the grant of registration, IGKV and farmers gain legal protection against unauthorised use of these varieties. Farmers retain the right to save, sow, exchange and sell seeds of protected varieties, provided they are not sold as branded seed. The system also promotes innovation and investment in crop research, while offering recognition and incentives to farmers and communities involved in conserving genetic resources. Officials said the achievement reinforces Chhattisgarh’s position in rice research and underlines IGKV’s role in developing farmer-centric technologies that combine productivity, sustainability and seed security.