Desi Seed Producers Company Limited to receive ₹10 lakh Plant Genome Saviour award
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Prelims·
Biodiversity conservation and farmer-led seed sovereignty: a GS3 Agriculture and Ethics case study.
Why in news
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) selected Desi Seed Producers Company Limited for the 2024-25 Plant Genome Saviour Community award for conserving India's agricultural biodiversity.
Background
Desi Seed Producers Company Limited (Sahaja Seeds) is a farmer-owned organic seed company based in Mysuru. It has contributed to the conservation of over 250 traditional crop varieties and recorded a turnover of ₹1.1 crore in 2025–26.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyPPVFRA: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- FactDesi Seed Producers Company Limited (Sahaja Seeds) has conserved more than 250 traditional crop varieties.
- FactThe Plant Genome Saviour Community award for 2024-25 includes a ₹10 lakh cash prize.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), consider the following statements:
- Desi Seed Producers Company Limited was awarded for conserving over 500 traditional crop varieties.
- The PPVFRA operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- The Plant Genome Saviour Community award for 2024-25 includes a ₹10 lakh cash prize.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)1 and 2 only
- (d)2 and 3 only
Show answer
Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The company conserved more than 250 traditional crop varieties.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of community-led initiatives in conserving indigenous plant genetic resources and promoting seed self-reliance among Indian farmers.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Biodiversity preservation: Safeguarding indigenous genetic resources against the homogenization of commercial seed markets.
- Economic empowerment: Strengthening farmer-owned cooperatives to reduce dependency on external seed corporations.
- Climate resilience: Promoting traditional crop varieties that exhibit inherent adaptation to local environmental stresses.
Keywords: Agricultural Biodiversity · Seed Self-reliance · Indigenous Genetic Resources · Farmer Cooperatives · Climate-resilient Varieties
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