At PPVFRA’s 22nd Foundation Day, Dr. P.K. Mishra highlights farmers’ role in conserving agricultural biodiversity, strengthening seed systems and creating market opportunities for traditional crops; nearly half of registered plant varieties are farmers’ varieties.

New Delhi, November 12, 2026: India is looking to strengthen the commercial value of its agricultural biodiversity by connecting farmers’ traditional crop varieties with scientific research, quality seed systems and wider market opportunities. The initiative could create new opportunities for agricultural communities, food processing businesses and the hospitality sector through greater access to indigenous and region-specific food products.

The roadmap was outlined by Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, while addressing the 22nd Foundation Day of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) and the Plant Genome Saviour Award Ceremony in New Delhi.

The occasion also marked 25 years of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001, which provides a framework for recognising plant breeders’ rights alongside the contributions and rights of farmers.

Key Highlights

• India’s National Genebank at ICAR-NBPGR is the world’s second largest.
• Around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed under the National Agricultural Research System.
• Nearly half of the plant varieties registered under PPVFRA are farmers’ varieties.
• India has 22 agro-biodiversity hotspots.
• Focus on strengthening community seed banks and field gene banks.
• Traditional crop varieties to be connected with quality seed systems, FPOs and wider markets.
• Greater emphasis on farmer entrepreneurship and transparent benefit-sharing.
• Koraput, Odisha, recognised by FAO in 2012 as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, highlighted as an example of community-led conservation.

Farmers’ Traditional Knowledge to Be Connected with Scientific Research

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mishra emphasised that farmers should be recognised not only as cultivators but also as custodians and innovators of India’s agricultural biodiversity.

He highlighted the importance of indigenous crop varieties in developing agricultural systems capable of responding to climate change, water stress, pests and diseases.

India’s 22 agro-biodiversity hotspots represent an important resource for conserving traditional crops, food cultures and community livelihoods. Koraput in Odisha was cited as an example of community-led agricultural conservation, having received recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2012.

Dr. Mishra also highlighted India’s distinctive framework under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, which balances the rights of plant breeders with the recognition of farmers as conservers, cultivators and developers of plant varieties.

Nearly half of the varieties registered under the Authority are farmers’ varieties, reflecting the contribution of farming communities to India’s agricultural diversity.

India Strengthens Climate-Resilient Crop Research and Conservation

Highlighting India’s agricultural research capabilities, Dr. Mishra noted that the National Genebank at the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) is the world’s second largest.

He also stated that approximately 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties have been developed under the National Agricultural Research System.

These developments underline the importance of conserving genetic resources and using scientific research to develop crop varieties suited to changing climatic and agricultural conditions.

The Minister also highlighted the potential of Geographical Indications (GI) in creating economic opportunities for distinctive agricultural products by strengthening their identity and market recognition.

Focus on Seed Banks, FPOs and Farmer Entrepreneurship

A major emphasis of the address was the need to move beyond awards and recognition towards sustained economic empowerment of farmers.

Dr. Mishra called for:

• Strengthening community seed banks and field gene banks.
• Connecting traditional agricultural knowledge with modern scientific research.
• Linking farmers’ varieties with quality seed systems.
• Improving market access through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
• Encouraging farmer-led entrepreneurship.
• Ensuring transparent and fair benefit-sharing for communities conserving genetic resources.

He also highlighted India’s engagement with international initiatives on farmers’ rights, including the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the 2022 Governing Body session in New Delhi, the 2023 Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights and the Indore Declaration adopted by BRICS Agriculture Ministers.

The establishment of a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems was also highlighted.

Concluding his address, Dr. Mishra stressed that farmers must be contributors and beneficiaries of India’s agricultural transformation.

He summed up the importance of sustained economic returns with the observation: “An award honours a farmer once; a seed chain, a market and a fair share of benefits sustain the farmer every season.”

Impact on Hospitality, Food and Travel & Tourism

1. Greater Opportunities for Regional and Indigenous Ingredients

The focus on conserving traditional crop varieties and improving their market access could create opportunities for hotels, restaurants and food service businesses to source distinctive regional ingredients. Indigenous grains, pulses and traditional crop varieties can add diversity to menus and strengthen connections with local food cultures.

2. Growth of Farm-to-Table Dining

Connecting farmers’ varieties with FPOs and organised markets could improve opportunities for direct sourcing. Hotels, resorts and restaurants can explore partnerships with farming communities to develop farm-to-table menus featuring locally grown and traditional ingredients.

3. Opportunities for Food Processing and Value-Added Products

Improved seed systems and market linkages could support the development of value-added food products using indigenous crops. This creates potential opportunities for food manufacturers, artisanal food businesses, packaged food companies and hospitality suppliers.

4. GI Products Can Strengthen Culinary Tourism

The emphasis on Geographical Indications is particularly relevant to regional food tourism. GI-recognised agricultural products can help destinations promote their distinctive food identity through culinary festivals, regional menus, food trails and local produce experiences.

5. Agricultural Heritage Can Support Rural Tourism

The example of Koraput highlights how traditional agricultural practices and community-led biodiversity conservation can become part of a destination’s tourism identity. Agricultural heritage experiences, traditional food demonstrations and visits to farming communities could support rural and cultural tourism.

Industry Takeaway

The PPVFRA’s 22nd Foundation Day highlights an important connection between agricultural biodiversity, farmers’ economic rights and the development of organised food markets.

For India’s hospitality and food industry, the focus on traditional crop varieties and improved market linkages could expand access to indigenous ingredients, strengthen regional culinary identities and create opportunities for sustainable sourcing.

As farmers’ varieties receive greater attention through research, seed systems and market development, hotels, restaurants, food processors and tourism businesses have an opportunity to bring India’s agricultural heritage closer to consumers and travellers.