Two farmers from Wayanad were honored with the National Plant Genome Saviour Awards on November 12, 2026, in New Delhi. The awards were presented by P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, recognizing their efforts in conserving traditional and underutilized crop varieties. The event was organized by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPVFRA), New Delhi.
Preserving Agricultural Heritage in Wayanad
Wayanad, a district in Kerala known for its rich biodiversity and agricultural traditions, is home to farmers who have dedicated themselves to conserving indigenous crop varieties. These farmers play a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity, which is vital for food security and sustainable agriculture. The National Plant Genome Saviour Awards celebrate such contributions by farmers who safeguard rare and traditional plant varieties that might otherwise be lost.
Details of the Awardees and Their Contributions
- Babu N.K. received the Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Reward for 2023-24, which includes ₹1.50 lakh, a citation, and a memento. On his four-acre farm, he conserves a remarkable collection of traditional crops, including 39 varieties of bananas, 11 root-tuber varieties, and six types of ginger.
- Sooraj C.S. (also known as Suraj Purushothaman) from Mathamangalam was awarded the Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognition for 2024-25. His prize consists of ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a memento. His extensive collection features 670 genetic resources, including 104 tomato varieties, 23 brinjal (eggplant) varieties, and 36 chilli germplasm accessions.
- Both farmers’ efforts were facilitated and documented by Kerala Agricultural University, highlighting the importance of institutional support in conserving agricultural biodiversity.
Why These Awards Matter for Agriculture and Farmers
The National Plant Genome Saviour Awards recognize farmers who conserve landraces and wild relatives of crops, especially when these genetic materials have contributed to the development of new, registrable plant varieties. This recognition not only honors the farmers’ dedication but also promotes the preservation of genetic diversity crucial for breeding resilient crops.
Under India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPV&FR Act), plant-variety registration grants heritable rights to breeders, but farmers retain the right to save, sow, re-sow, exchange, or sell seeds of registered varieties as long as they are sold unbranded. This legal framework supports farmers in maintaining traditional seeds while encouraging innovation in plant breeding.
By awarding farmers like Babu N.K. and Sooraj C.S., the government highlights the vital role of traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation in sustaining agriculture and food security for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the National Plant Genome Saviour Award?
A: It is an award given by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority to farmers who conserve traditional and underutilized crop varieties that contribute to genetic diversity and plant breeding.
Q: Who are the recent recipients from Wayanad?
A: Babu N.K. and Sooraj C.S. from Wayanad received the awards for their exceptional work in preserving a wide range of traditional crop varieties.
Q: What rights do farmers have under the PPV&FR Act?
A: Farmers can save, sow, re-sow, exchange, or sell seeds of registered plant varieties, provided the seeds are sold unbranded, ensuring their continued access to traditional seeds.
