The Bibi Fathima SHG of Theertha village and farmer Eshwaragouda Patil of Mattigatti village, Karnataka were awarded with the Plant Genome Savior Awards at the 22nd Foundation Day celebrations of PPVFRA held on 12th November 2026 in New Delhi for their contributions towards the conservation of indigenous crop varieties, traditional seeds and agricultural biodiversity.
Bibi Fathima SHG for conserving traditional seeds
Bibi Fathima Self Help Group is a women-driven group based out of Theertha village of Kundgol Taluk of Dharwad district, Karnataka. They work towards the conservation of indigenous crop varieties, traditional seeds and local food culture.
The SHG was awarded with the Plant Genome Savior Community Award, comprising of a prize money of Rs 10 Lakhs, a citation and a memento. Desi Seed Producers Company Limited of Mysuru were also chosen for this award from Karnataka.
Eshwaragouda Patil for conserving millet
Eshwaragouda Patil, a farmer from Mattigatti village, Kundgol Taluk, started his seed conservation journey in the year 2015 under Organic Village Program of the Agriculture Department and with the support from Sahaja Samrudha.
This helped him reintroduce two traditional millet varieties which were almost lost in North Karnataka,
- Proso Millet (Baragu)
- Brown Top Millet (Korale)
These varieties are well-suited for the local climatic conditions and are grown on hundreds of hectares in Kundgol and Shiggaon Taluks.
Another two farmers from Karnataka, C.P. Krishna of Gulurdoddi village, Mandya district and Asma Banu of Sanoor village, Udupi district, were also awarded for their efforts towards conserving traditional crop varieties and indigenous crop varieties.
Plant Genome Savior Awards
This is an award given to farmers and communities working towards conservation of plant genetic resources, indigenous crop varieties and traditional knowledge.
The awards are managed by PPVFRA under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The Plant Genome Savior Community Award was established by the Authority under Rule 70(2)(a) of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Rules, 2003. This award comprises of prize money of Rs 10 Lakhs along with a citation and memento. There is another award system for farmers to reward them individually for their contribution.
About PPVFRA and PPV&FR Act, 2001
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority was set up under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001.
This Act helps provide a system to protect plant varieties and recognize the rights of plant breeders and farmers. It also helps with conservation of agro-biodiversity.
Important facts,
- Set up under: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001.
- Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- 22nd Foundation Day: 12th November 2026.
- 25 Years of the Act: This marked 25 years since the enactment of the PPV&FR Act, 2001.
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