Study on the Progress in Maize Varieties Registration under PPV & FRA in India

In view of providing legal protection to plant varieties PPV&FRA, 2001 has agreat impact on seed industry in India. Since 2007 to January 2018 the Authority has received 15790 applications in total for the registration of various cereal crops and horticultural plant varieties, out of which 1045 are for maize. Out of all the application received for maize varieties registration, the highest share (42%) is of farmers' varieties. Detailed analysis of registration certificate issued for the maize varieties by the authority revealed that highest numbers of varieties were registered under extant category (55%) followed by new (42%) then farmers' (3%). Public sector contribution was 47% of maize varieties registered. However, private sector has contributed more in terms of new varieties with 59%. Results indicate the widening gap in new varieties development and acquiring their protection rights under PPV&FRA between the public and private sector seed companies. The public sector units (PSUs) involved in seed development and research centers need to be more strengthened so that those can deal with the current age challenges. Farmers' varieties registration started first time in India which may motivate developing countries for protecting farmers' rights.