In a landmark move to strengthen farmers’ rights, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) has granted intellectual property (IP) protection to Nagauri Pan Methi (Nagori fenugreek) (Trigonella corniculata L.) under the “community farmers’ variety” category.
The registration was published in the Plant Variety Journal (February 2026), legally recognising the farming community of Nagaur district as the rightful custodians.
Key Highlights
- Category: Community Farmers’ Variety
- Legal Owner: Farmers of Nagaur district
- Act: Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001
- Recognition: First sui generis IP protection for this crop
Farmers are now legally recognised as rights holders of this unique plant variety.
Benefits to Farmers (Triple Dividend)
1. Protection Against Bio-Piracy
- Prevents:
- Unauthorized commercial use
- Sale of fake/substandard seeds
- Addresses earlier misuse where it was sold as ‘kasuri methi’
2. Benefit Sharing
- Farmers entitled to economic benefits from:
- Research
- Commercial utilisation of genetic resources
3. Pathway to GI Tag
- Registration is a first step towards Geographical Indication (GI)
- Expected benefits:
- Better market recognition
- Higher prices for farmers
Scientific & Institutional Support
- South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC):
- Conducted field research
- Provided scientific documentation
- Application submitted to PPVFRA on 25 June 2024
Additional Support:
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – Biotech Kisan Hub
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices
- NABARD-supported Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC)
These institutions validated the crop’s uniqueness and economic value
About Nagauri Methi
- Cultivated exclusively in Nagaur district (Rajasthan)
- Area: 7,000+ hectares
- Major regions:
- Mundwa
- Nagaur
- Merta City
- Jayal
- Degana
- Khinvsar
Crop Features:
- Multi-cut leafy crop
- Leaves are:
- Harvested repeatedly
- Sun-dried and sold
Economic Significance
- Yield per cutting: ~175 kg/acre (dried leaves)
- Income per cutting: ₹25,000 (every 10 days)
- Seasonal earnings:
- ~10 cuttings
- ₹2.5 lakh per acre
One of the highest income-generating crops in India
Production (2024–25):
- Output: 30,000 metric tonnes
- Total income: ₹450 crore
Unique Recognition
- First sui generis IP protection globally for Nagauri Methi
- Recognises:
- Farmers’ traditional knowledge
- Conservation of genetic resources
- Collective innovation over generations
- Registered under community name “Mundwa Pradhan”
Way Forward
- GI Tag registration
- Development of food safety standards by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Creation of HSN code for exports
- Regulated procurement through mandi system
- Aim: Ensure fair and remunerative prices for farmers
PPVFRA
| Feature | Details |
| Act | Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Objective | Protect plant varieties and farmers’ rights |
Sui Generis System
- A unique legal system created specifically for a particular subject
- In India, used for:
- Plant variety protection
- Farmers’ rights
Geographical Indication (GI)
- Identifies products with specific geographic origin
- Provides:
- Legal protection
- Market recognition
Significance
- Strengthens farmers’ intellectual property rights
- Protects traditional agricultural knowledge
- Promotes agri-export potential
- Supports income enhancement in rural areas