PROMOTION OF TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND SEEDS

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare outlines a suite of initiatives to conserve, research, and promote traditional agricultural produce and indigenous seed varieties. ICAR‑NBPGR conducts germplasm collection, characterization and documentation; 5,346 farmer varieties have been registered under the PPV&FR Act. The National Gene Fund and Plant Genome Saviour awards incentivise farmers for conservation. Financial assistance for seed production of traditional varieties is provided under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission. The PMFME Scheme’s One District One Product (ODOP) approach supports 726 districts, while geographical indication registration and commodity‑specific boards (e.g., Tea, Coffee, Spices, APEDA, National Makhana Board) aid branding and market development. Research projects at ICAR‑IARI target climate‑resilient improvements of traditional crops.