Community Sensitization and Training Program
On March 22, 2024, an awareness program on “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights” was organized in Village Bhoopgarhi, District Meerut, under the joint auspices of Sardar Patel Subharti Law College and the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. The event sought to empower farmers with knowledge about their rights, legal protections, and available resources to enhance agricultural sustainability and welfare.
Distinguished Guests:
The event was graced by the presence of eminent personalities including:- Major General Dr. G.K. Thapliyal, Vice Chancellor of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Dr. Shalya Raj, Chief Executive Officer of Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Arun Kumar, Representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India
Event Highlights
Welcome Address:
Dr. Shashiraj Tewatia, Head of the Computer Department of Science College, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, officials, farmers, representatives, villagers, and students. The traditional presentation of saplings symbolized the commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural prosperity.
Keynote Addresses:
Advocate Jitendra Kumar Pundir Advocated for farmer rights, highlighting the exploitation by multinational seed companies and the imperative for farmers to be cognizant of their rights and the government schemes available to them.
Dr. Vaibhav Goyal Bharatiya: Delivered a profound discourse on the pivotal role of farmers as the backbone of the nation’s economy. He elucidated the legal intricacies surrounding plant variety protection and farmers’ rights, emphasizing the need for awareness and advocacy. Arun Kumar: Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, Kumar underscored the significance of government schemes in supporting farmers’ livelihoods. He urged farmers to avail themselves of these schemes and commended the organizers for their initiative.
Educational Sessions:
Experts from the Botany and Agriculture Departments of the university conducted informative sessions on various aspects of crop protection, biodiversity conservation, and the legal framework governing farmers’ rights and intellectual property. Dr. Jogindar Singh, Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dr. Sangeeta Dayal and Dr. Prem Chandra provided valuable insights, enriching the audience’s understanding of agricultural sustainability with Farmer’s Rights and plant protection.
Farmers’ Perspectives:
Local farmers Rajkumar, Ashok Panwar, Krishnapal Chikara, and Vivek Tewatiya shared their firsthand experiences and perspectives on agriculture. Their anecdotes provided practical insights into the challenges faced by farmers and underscored the importance of initiatives aimed at empowering agricultural communities.
Interactive Session and Question & Answer:
Mr. Arun Kumar engaged with the audience in a vibrant interactive session, addressing queries, clarifying doubts, and providing practical solutions to farmers’ problems. The session fostered dialogue and collaboration between farmers and governmental representatives.
Vote of Thanks:
Dr. Vikas Kumar, expressing gratitude to all participants, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in advancing agricultural welfare. He reiterated the commitment of the organizing institutions to continue supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Conclusion:
The awareness program on the protection of plant varieties and farmers’ rights served as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for agricultural communities. By fostering dialogue, disseminating information, and facilitating collaboration, the event contributed to the holistic development of agriculture and the welfare of farmers. The resounding success of the program underscored the collective commitment towards creating a more sustainable and equitable agricultural ecosystem
