Keonjhar Kalachampa

Keonjhar Kalachampa: Odisha farmer Jayant Kumar Jena seeks profit share from commercialisation of Keonjhar Kalachampa paddy. If accepted, it will be first benefit-sharing case in Odisha under Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA).

• About: Keonjhar Kalachampa, known for its tolerance to major diseases and pests under field conditions in coastal Odisha.

o It is non-lodging (resistant to bending or falling over), responsive to fertilizers, suitable for both timely and late sowing.

o Yield: Gives 7,000 kg/hectare average yield.

o Accepted widely by farmers due to biotic stress resistance.

• Evolution and Preservation: Discovered in 2006–07 during seed germplasm survey by Odisha Agri Dept.

o Catalogued: Among 1,070 paddy and 200 non-paddy varieties.

o Preservation: Stored in state gene bank (climate-controlled, up to 50 years).

o Registration Process: Based on DUS testing, 62 traits listed, seeds submitted.

• About Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA):

o Promote nAuthority: Quasi-judicial body under Central Govt.

o Mandate: Protects plant varieties, farmers’ rights, and breeders’ rights.

o Aim: ew variety development and recognise farmer conservation efforts.