PPVFRA officials inspect ICAR-DFR to discuss challenges in floriculture industry

Pune: Two senior-most officials of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA), Dr. T. Mohapatra, Chairperson, and Dr. D.K. Agarwal, Registrar General of PPVFRA, recently visited the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (DFR) in Pune. During the visit they interacted with the scientists and discussed the challenges that are being faced by the floriculture industry.

Dr. Mohapatra stressed that it is essential to raise awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) among flower growers, ornamental nursery businesses, and farmers. He explained that more awareness programmes should be held to create awareness among people. He stressed that those who are in the nursery sector need to understand the issues related to importing and exporting ornamental plants.

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Dr. Agarwal inspired farmers to register their unique plant varieties with PPVFRA. He highlighted the importance of protecting farmers’ rights and urged support for both farmers and private industries in filing applications for plant variety registration.

Dr. K.V. Prasad, Director of ICAR-DFR, briefed the delegation about the technologies and improved flower varieties developed by the institute. He highlighted the institute’s contributions to the floriculture sector and its role in supporting farmers and businesses.

The PPVFRA officials, as part of their visit, checked the leading nurseries in Pune to understand how to improve trade and address the challenges in the nursery sector. Several nurserymen raised concerns, including ornamental plants and tree species. Numerous key challenges were discussed, especially the import of new plants, plant quarantine issues, and so on.

The discussion highlighted that there is a need to make urgent policies and organize more awareness events for the bloom of the floriculture industry.