ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture in association with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kattupakkam, Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu organized an awareness programme on Protection of Plant Varieties/Fish species and Farmer’s Rights on 21st June 2022 at the KVK campus. About 203 participants, mostly farmers from Kancheepuram district, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) of different disciplines and other staff of KVK attended the programme.
Dr. M. Siddharth, Professor and Head, KVK in his introductory speech emphasized that Protection of Plant Varieties/Fish species and Farmer’s Rights Act enabled an effective system for protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders. It also encourages the development of new varieties in their innate origin.
Dr. C.V. Sairam, Principal Scientist & SIC, Social Science Division CIBA, presided over the meeting and highlighted the rights of farmers arising from their contribution in conserving, improving and making available the plant genetic resources to develop new varieties. He also shared that it facilitates availability of high quality seed and planting material to farmers, promotes the overall seed industry and motivates public and private investment in plant breeding.
Dr. R. Jayakumar, Principal Scientist, Fish Culture Division highlighted the opportunities exist in sustainable aquaculture development. Fish farming helps to save certain fish species such as Asian seabass, catfish and mullet by reviving their populations. Government of India has launched many Centrally Sponsored Schemes on “Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture to increase the fish production by encouraging fishermen and fisherwomen to utilise the fisheries resources available and reduces fishing pressure in coastal areas. Dr. S. Kannappan, Principal Scientist, Crustacean Culture Division pointed out that fish farming creates self-employment and there is a growing demand for higher trophic level species. Farmers can adopt techniques like polyculture, shellfish in fish farm drainage canals, farming shrimps and paddy-cum-fish farming, and mud crab fattening etc., to increase their production and income. An interaction session was conducted wherein the farmers shared their views and clarifications were given to their queries by the technical experts of KVK and ICAR-CIBA. The event was organized by the Institute Technology Management Unit (ITMU) of ICAR-CIBA. Dr. P.K. Patil, Principal Scientist & Officer in-Charge, ITMU proposed vote of thanks.
