Two farmers from Thrissur have won the prestigious plant genome saviour awards instituted by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority, Government of India.
While P.V. Jose from Potta, Chalakudy, was selected for the Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Award, which comprises a cash prize of ₹1.5 lakh, citation, and memento, Jayan K.R. (Plavu Jayan) of Avittathur, Irinjalakuda, was bestowed with the Plant Genome Saviour Recognition, consisting of a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, citation, and memento.
Idukki settlement
The Thayannankudy tribal settlement at Chinnar in Idukki was also selected for the Plant Genome Saviour Community Award.
Mr. Jose of Potta has been conserving nutmeg types and fruit plants such as mango, banana, rambutan, pulasan, mangosteen, and custard apple in his eight-acre farm for the past 50 years. One genotype of nutmeg from his collection with superior qualities -- KAU-Pullan -- has been released as an official variety from Kerala Agricultural University.
Mr. Jayan is a conservator of traditional jack cultivars. His nomination for the award was prompted by the Agriculture Minister declaring jackfruit as the State fruit. A gulf returnee, Mr. Jayan took up cultivation and conservation of traditional jack varieties in his farm and neighbourhood, and devoted his time for spreading the fruit across the State. Collecting and propagating different jackfruit varieties became his obsession and he is the owner of a vast collection of jack gem plasm.
The continued presence of Kerala farmers in plant genome saviour awards is proof of the KAU’s support for farmers, said Vice Chancellor R. Chandra Babu.
