Plant Variety Protection in India

Plant Variety Protection in India. Agriculture is a core sector of the Indian economy, and developing new plant varieties is essential for its progress. To recognise and protect the efforts of plant breeders, both national and international legal frameworks have been established. Globally, the UPOV Convention, first adopted in 1961, grants Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBRs) exclusive rights to breeders over their registered varieties.
In India, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001 offers a unique system that safeguards the rights of both breeders and farmers. Under this Act, registered breeders can exclusively produce, sell, distribute, or export their varieties.
Plant Variety Protection (PVP) plays a important role in encouraging innovation, enhancing crop quality, and securing fair rewards for breeders ultimately supporting sustainable agricultural development.
Learn more anout Difference Between Copyright Patent and Trademark.
What is a Plant Variety?
A plant variety is simply a special type of plant that has been carefully developed to have certain useful traits like producing more crops, resisting pests, surviving in tough weather, or offering better nutrition. These traits aren’t random; they appear consistently every time the plant is grown.
For Example- There are different breeds of dogs, each with unique features, there are also different varieties of plants. And just like dog breeders work hard to develop new breeds, plant breeders put in years of effort to create varieties that are better suited for farming and food production.
For a plant to be officially recognised as a “variety” under the law, it has to be:

New (not already widely available),

Clearly different from others,

Uniform in how it looks and grows, and

Stable, meaning its traits stay the same over time.

Protecting these varieties through laws like the PPVFR Act helps breeders get credit for their work and encourages more innovation in agriculture something that benefits everyone, especially our farmers and food systems.
Why Does India Need to Protect Plant Varieties?
In today’s world, developing new and improved plant varieties is key to growing better crops, feeding a growing population, and dealing with climate challenges. But creating these varieties takes years of effort, research, and investment. That’s why it’s important to legally protect the rights of those who develop them.
As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India is required to offer some form of legal protection for plant varieties under the TRIPS Agreement. Instead of allowing patents on plants, which might not suit Indian farming traditions, India chose a different approach a unique legal system called the sui generis system. This led to the creation of the PPVFR Act in 2001.
Impact of this law on Farmers
This law isn’t just about protecting breeders it’s also about respecting farmers, especially those who’ve been saving and improving seeds for generations. It helps in:

Encouraging new plant development

Recognising farmers’ traditional knowledge

Ensuring better seeds for better crops

Attracting research and investment into agriculture

Meeting international trade obligations

In simple terms, plant variety protection helps India move forward in agriculture while staying fair to both scientists and farmers.
The Importance of Plant Variety Protection
In today’s rapidly growing agricultural Sector, and developing new and improved plant varieties is more important than ever. Farmers face growing challenges climate change, pests, soil degradation, and the need to feed a growing population. Behind every better crop is a breeder who has worked hard to create a variety that can meet these challenges.
That’s where Plant Variety Protection (PVP) comes into the picture. It’s not just about giving legal rights it’s about recognising innovation, encouraging research, and making sure farmers and consumers benefit from the best that science and tradition have to offer.
Benefits of Plant variety Protection
These Are some benefits of Protecting Plant varieties in India.
Benefits for Breeders
Behind every new plant variety is a breeder who has invested years of effort, knowledge, and resources. PVP ensures that their contribution is recognised and rewarded.

Economic Incentive: With exclusive rights over their new variety, breeders can earn through licensing or selling their seeds, helping them recover their development costs.

Encouragement for Innovation: Knowing that their work is protected motivates breeders to keep experimenting and creating better, more resilient plant varieties.

Benefits for Farmers
For farmers, access to high-quality seeds is a game changer and PVP ensures they have more options to choose from.

Better Crop Choices: Protected varieties are often designed for higher yields, better pest resistance, and adaptability to local conditions giving farmers a better shot at success.

Smarter, Sustainable Farming: New varieties often need fewer chemicals or less water, helping farmers cut costs and reduce environmental harm.

Benefits for Consumers
At the end of the chain, PVP also improves what ends up on our dining tables.

Improved Food Quality: Modern plant varieties can enhance taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life making food both healthier and more enjoyable.

Stable Food Supply: As climate change affects agriculture, varieties bred for resilience help ensure there’s enough food, even in tough conditions.

In essence, Plant Variety Protection helps create a balanced ecosystem where breeders are motivated, farmers are empowered, and consumers benefit all while strengthening the future of agriculture.
Which Plant Varieties Can Be Registered in India?
Under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001, the following four types of plant varieties are eligible for registration in India:
New Varieties
These are varieties that have not been made publicly available in India for more than one year before the application date. In the case of trees and vines, they must not have been available outside India for more than six years, and for all other plants, not more than four years.
Extant Varieties
This category includes varieties that are already known or commonly used. It covers:

Varieties notified under the Seeds Act, 1966

Varieties already available in the public domain

Varieties that are widely recognized or commonly known

Farmers’ varieties that are traditionally grown

Farmers’ Varieties
These are plant varieties that have been conserved, developed, and passed down through generations by farmers. They also include wild relatives or landraces of cultivated varieties, where knowledge is held collectively by the farming community.
Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs)
An EDV is a variety that has been mostly developed from an existing registered variety (called the initial variety), retaining the key traits of that original plant. Although it shows some differences, it still maintains the essential characteristics inherited from the initial variety. 
Which Plant Varieties Cannot Be Registered in India?
Not every plant variety is allowed to be registered or protected under the PPVFR Act, 2001. Some are specifically excluded to safeguard public interest and environmental well-being some of them are :

Varieties that may harm public order or morality: If a plant variety poses a risk to society’s peace, ethical values, or public behavior, it won’t be granted protection.

Varieties harmful to life or health:  If a plant variety could be dangerous to humans, animals, other plants, or the environment, it is not eligible for registration.

Varieties with terminator technology: These are genetically modified plants that produce sterile seeds, preventing farmers from saving and reusing seeds. Such varieties are banned from protection.

Varieties not listed by the government: Only those species and genera notified by the Central Government are eligible. If a plant doesn’t fall under this official list, it can’t be registered

Learn more about Patents in IPR Types Characteristics and Procedure.
How Long Does Plant Variety Protection Last in India?
Once a plant variety is registered under the PPVFR Act, 2001, the breeder gets exclusive rights over it for a specific period, depending on the type of plant:

For trees and vines: Protection lasts for 18 years.

For all other crops: The duration is 15 years.

For extant varieties: Protection is valid for 15 years from the date the variety was officially notified by the Central Government under the Seeds Act, 1966.

Who Can Apply for the Registration of a Plant Variety?
Under the PPVFR Act, 2001, several categories of individuals and institutions are eligible to apply for the registration of a plant variety. The primary applicant can be the breeder who has developed the variety through their own effort. In cases where the breeder is no longer available, their legal successor such as a family member or heir may also apply. Additionally, if the breeder has assigned their rights to someone else, that assignee is eligible to submit the application.
The law also recognises the vital role of traditional knowledge and grassroots innovation in agriculture. Therefore, farmers, groups of farmers, or even an entire farming community who have bred, conserved, or developed a variety over time are allowed to apply. In situations where the farmers themselves may not be in a position to complete the formalities, a person authorized on their behalf can file the application. Furthermore, universities and publicly funded agricultural institutions that have developed new varieties through research can also seek registration under this law.
Where to File the Application?
To oversee the registration process, the Government of India established the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority in October 2005. The Authority’s headquarters is located at NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Opposite Todapur, New Delhi 110012. This is the central office where all applications for plant variety registration are processed and managed.
For applicants seeking more information whether it’s about how to apply, required documentation, fees, or the overall process detailed guidelines and updates are available on the official website of the Authority: www.plantauthority.gov.in. This platform serves as a helpful resource for breeders, farmers, and institutions interested in protecting their plant innovations.
Registration Process of a Plant Variety in India
Registering a plant variety under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001 involves several steps, each designed to ensure that the variety meets the necessary standards of novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (NDUS). Here’s how the process works:
Check Eligibility and Prepare Documentation 
Before applying, make sure your variety is eligible for registration (it must be a new, extant, farmers’, or essentially derived variety). You’ll also need to prepare essential documents like proof of origin, passport data of the variety, a declaration regarding benefit sharing, and technical details related to the variety’s traits and performance.
Submit the Application
The application must be submitted in the prescribed format (Form I) to the PPV & FR Authority, either in person or by post at its New Delhi office. Applicants can also submit it online through the official website: www.plantauthority.gov.in. The application should be accompanied by the required fee, affidavit, and seed samples of the variety.
Preliminary Scrutiny
Once submitted, the application is checked for completeness. If there are any missing details or documents, the applicant is asked to provide them within a specified time.
Publication of Application
If the application passes the initial scrutiny, it is published in the Plant Variety Journal of India. This allows the public to view the application and raise any objections within a specified period , it usually takes three months.
Opposition (if any)
If someone objects to the registration perhaps claiming the variety is not new or was developed by someone else the Authority examines the opposition and gives both sides a chance to present their case.
DUS Testing (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability)
The variety then undergoes DUS testing at designated test centers to confirm it is:

Distinct from existing varieties,

Uniform in key traits, and

Stable across multiple generations.

This process can take at least 2 growing seasons depending on the crop.
Expert Evaluation
After successful DUS testing, the application and test results are reviewed by the Registration Committee, which includes subject-matter experts. They recommend whether or not the variety should be granted protection.
Grant of Certificate
If all requirements are met and no valid opposition is sustained, the Authority grants a certificate of registration to the applicant. This certificate provides exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, and export or import the registered variety for the duration of protection.
Conclusion
Plant Variety Protection in India strikes a delicate and progressive balance between encouraging agricultural innovation and respecting the rights of traditional farmers. By providing legal recognition and exclusive rights to breeders while also safeguarding farmers’ freedoms and contributions, the PPVFR Act, 2001 has established a uniquely inclusive model. This system not only aligns with international obligations like the TRIPS Agreement but also reflects India’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage and diverse ecosystem. Ultimately, protecting plant varieties isn’t just about intellectual property it’s about securing the future of farming, ensuring food security, and creating a sustainable path forward for Indian agriculture in a changing world.
Frequently asked Questions
Q1. What is Plant Variety Protection (PVP)? 
Ans. Plant Variety Protection (PVP) is a legal right granted to breeders of new plant varieties, giving them exclusive control over the production, sale, and marketing of their varieties for a specific period.
Q2. What law governs plant variety protection in India? 
Ans. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001 governs the registration and protection of plant varieties in India.
Q3. Who can apply for the registration of a plant variety? 
Ans. The following can apply:

Breeders

Farmers or farming communities

Legal successors or assignees of breeders

Public and private agricultural institutions

Q4. What types of plant varieties are eligible for registration? 
Ans. Under the PPVFR Act, the following varieties can be registered:

New varieties

Extant varieties

Farmers’ varieties

Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs)

Q5. What are the criteria for a plant variety to be registered? 
Ans. A plant variety must fulfill the NDUS criteria:

Novelty

Distinctiveness

Uniformity

Stability

Q6. Can a farmer register a variety developed through traditional methods? 
Ans. Yes. The PPVFR Act recognizes and allows registration of Farmers’ Varieties developed or preserved through traditional knowledge.
Q7. How long does protection last for a registered variety?
Ans. Trees and vines: 18 years

Other crops: 15 years

Extant varieties: 15 years from the date of government notification

Q8. What varieties cannot be registered? 
Ans. Plant varieties that:

Are harmful to life or environment

Contain Terminator technology

Violate public order or morality

Are not among notified genera/species by the government

Q9. Where can the application be filed? 
Ans. Applications can be submitted to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, located in New Delhi, or online at www.plantauthority.gov.in.
Q10. What is DUS testing? 
Ans. DUS stands for Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability. It's a scientific test conducted over crop seasons to determine if the variety is eligible for protection.
Q11. Can others oppose my plant variety application? 
Ans. Yes. After your application is published, the public has three months to file an objection, if any.
Q12. Does the PPVFR Act protect farmers’ rights too? 
Ans. Yes. The Act is unique in that it protects both breeders' and farmers' rights, including the right of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds.

Agriculture is a core sector of the Indian economy, and developing new plant varieties is essential for its progress. To recognise and protect the efforts of plant breeders, both national and international legal frameworks have been established. Globally, the UPOV Convention, first adopted in 1961, grants Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBRs) exclusive rights to breeders over their registered varieties.

In India, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001 offers a unique system that safeguards the rights of both breeders and farmers. Under this Act, registered breeders can exclusively produce, sell, distribute, or export their varieties.

Plant Variety Protection (PVP) plays a important role in encouraging innovation, enhancing crop quality, and securing fair rewards for breeders ultimately supporting sustainable agricultural development.

Learn more anout Difference Between Copyright Patent and Trademark.

What is a Plant Variety?

A plant variety is simply a special type of plant that has been carefully developed to have certain useful traits like producing more crops, resisting pests, surviving in tough weather, or offering better nutrition. These traits aren’t random; they appear consistently every time the plant is grown.

For Example- There are different breeds of dogs, each with unique features, there are also different varieties of plants. And just like dog breeders work hard to develop new breeds, plant breeders put in years of effort to create varieties that are better suited for farming and food production.

For a plant to be officially recognised as a “variety” under the law, it has to be:

New (not already widely available),
Clearly different from others,
Uniform in how it looks and grows, and
Stable, meaning its traits stay the same over time.

Why Does India Need to Protect Plant Varieties?

In today’s world, developing new and improved plant varieties is key to growing better crops, feeding a growing population, and dealing with climate challenges. But creating these varieties takes years of effort, research, and investment. That’s why it’s important to legally protect the rights of those who develop them.

As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), India is required to offer some form of legal protection for plant varieties under the TRIPS Agreement. Instead of allowing patents on plants, which might not suit Indian farming traditions, India chose a different approach a unique legal system called the sui generis system. This led to the creation of the PPVFR Act in 2001.

Impact of this law on Farmers

This law isn’t just about protecting breeders it’s also about respecting farmers, especially those who’ve been saving and improving seeds for generations. It helps in:

Encouraging new plant development
Recognising farmers’ traditional knowledge
Ensuring better seeds for better crops
Attracting research and investment into agriculture
Meeting international trade obligations

In simple terms, plant variety protection helps India move forward in agriculture while staying fair to both scientists and farmers.

The Importance of Plant Variety Protection

In today’s rapidly growing agricultural Sector, and developing new and improved plant varieties is more important than ever. Farmers face growing challenges climate change, pests, soil degradation, and the need to feed a growing population. Behind every better crop is a breeder who has worked hard to create a variety that can meet these challenges.

That’s where Plant Variety Protection (PVP) comes into the picture. It’s not just about giving legal rights it’s about recognising innovation, encouraging research, and making sure farmers and consumers benefit from the best that science and tradition have to offer.

Benefits of Plant variety Protection

These Are some benefits of Protecting Plant varieties in India.

Benefits for Breeders

Behind every new plant variety is a breeder who has invested years of effort, knowledge, and resources. PVP ensures that their contribution is recognised and rewarded.

Economic Incentive: With exclusive rights over their new variety, breeders can earn through licensing or selling their seeds, helping them recover their development costs.
Encouragement for Innovation: Knowing that their work is protected motivates breeders to keep experimenting and creating better, more resilient plant varieties.

Benefits for Farmers

For farmers, access to high-quality seeds is a game changer and PVP ensures they have more options to choose from.

Better Crop Choices: Protected varieties are often designed for higher yields, better pest resistance, and adaptability to local conditions giving farmers a better shot at success.
Smarter, Sustainable Farming: New varieties often need fewer chemicals or less water, helping farmers cut costs and reduce environmental harm.

Benefits for Consumers

At the end of the chain, PVP also improves what ends up on our dining tables.

Improved Food Quality: Modern plant varieties can enhance taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life making food both healthier and more enjoyable.
Stable Food Supply: As climate change affects agriculture, varieties bred for resilience help ensure there’s enough food, even in tough conditions.

In essence, Plant Variety Protection helps create a balanced ecosystem where breeders are motivated, farmers are empowered, and consumers benefit all while strengthening the future of agriculture.

Which Plant Varieties Can Be Registered in India?

Under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001, the following four types of plant varieties are eligible for registration in India:

New Varieties

These are varieties that have not been made publicly available in India for more than one year before the application date. In the case of trees and vines, they must not have been available outside India for more than six years, and for all other plants, not more than four years.

Extant Varieties

This category includes varieties that are already known or commonly used. It covers:

Varieties notified under the Seeds Act, 1966
Varieties already available in the public domain
Varieties that are widely recognized or commonly known
Farmers’ varieties that are traditionally grown

Farmers’ Varieties

These are plant varieties that have been conserved, developed, and passed down through generations by farmers. They also include wild relatives or landraces of cultivated varieties, where knowledge is held collectively by the farming community.

Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs)

An EDV is a variety that has been mostly developed from an existing registered variety (called the initial variety), retaining the key traits of that original plant. Although it shows some differences, it still maintains the essential characteristics inherited from the initial variety.

Which Plant Varieties Cannot Be Registered in India?

Not every plant variety is allowed to be registered or protected under the PPVFR Act, 2001. Some are specifically excluded to safeguard public interest and environmental well-being some of them are :

Varieties that may harm public order or morality: If a plant variety poses a risk to society’s peace, ethical values, or public behavior, it won’t be granted protection.
Varieties harmful to life or health: If a plant variety could be dangerous to humans, animals, other plants, or the environment, it is not eligible for registration.
Varieties with terminator technology: These are genetically modified plants that produce sterile seeds, preventing farmers from saving and reusing seeds. Such varieties are banned from protection.
Varieties not listed by the government: Only those species and genera notified by the Central Government are eligible. If a plant doesn’t fall under this official list, it can’t be registered

Learn more about Patents in IPR Types Characteristics and Procedure.

How Long Does Plant Variety Protection Last in India?

Once a plant variety is registered under the PPVFR Act, 2001, the breeder gets exclusive rights over it for a specific period, depending on the type of plant:

For trees and vines: Protection lasts for 18 years.
For all other crops: The duration is 15 years.
For extant varieties: Protection is valid for 15 years from the date the variety was officially notified by the Central Government under the Seeds Act, 1966.

Who Can Apply for the Registration of a Plant Variety?

Under the PPVFR Act, 2001, several categories of individuals and institutions are eligible to apply for the registration of a plant variety. The primary applicant can be the breeder who has developed the variety through their own effort. In cases where the breeder is no longer available, their legal successor such as a family member or heir may also apply. Additionally, if the breeder has assigned their rights to someone else, that assignee is eligible to submit the application.

The law also recognises the vital role of traditional knowledge and grassroots innovation in agriculture. Therefore, farmers, groups of farmers, or even an entire farming community who have bred, conserved, or developed a variety over time are allowed to apply. In situations where the farmers themselves may not be in a position to complete the formalities, a person authorized on their behalf can file the application. Furthermore, universities and publicly funded agricultural institutions that have developed new varieties through research can also seek registration under this law.

Where to File the Application?

To oversee the registration process, the Government of India established the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority in October 2005. The Authority’s headquarters is located at NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Opposite Todapur, New Delhi 110012. This is the central office where all applications for plant variety registration are processed and managed.

For applicants seeking more information whether it’s about how to apply, required documentation, fees, or the overall process detailed guidelines and updates are available on the official website of the Authority: www.plantauthority.gov.in. This platform serves as a helpful resource for breeders, farmers, and institutions interested in protecting their plant innovations.

Registration Process of a Plant Variety in India

Registering a plant variety under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001 involves several steps, each designed to ensure that the variety meets the necessary standards of novelty, distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability (NDUS). Here’s how the process works:

Check Eligibility and Prepare Documentation

Before applying, make sure your variety is eligible for registration (it must be a new, extant, farmers’, or essentially derived variety). You’ll also need to prepare essential documents like proof of origin, passport data of the variety, a declaration regarding benefit sharing, and technical details related to the variety’s traits and performance.

Submit the Application

The application must be submitted in the prescribed format (Form I) to the PPV & FR Authority, either in person or by post at its New Delhi office. Applicants can also submit it online through the official website: www.plantauthority.gov.in. The application should be accompanied by the required fee, affidavit, and seed samples of the variety.

Preliminary Scrutiny

Once submitted, the application is checked for completeness. If there are any missing details or documents, the applicant is asked to provide them within a specified time.

Publication of Application

If the application passes the initial scrutiny, it is published in the Plant Variety Journal of India. This allows the public to view the application and raise any objections within a specified period , it usually takes three months.

Opposition (if any)

If someone objects to the registration perhaps claiming the variety is not new or was developed by someone else the Authority examines the opposition and gives both sides a chance to present their case.

DUS Testing (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability)

The variety then undergoes DUS testing at designated test centers to confirm it is:

Distinct from existing varieties,
Uniform in key traits, and
Stable across multiple generations.

This process can take at least 2 growing seasons depending on the crop.

Expert Evaluation

After successful DUS testing, the application and test results are reviewed by the Registration Committee, which includes subject-matter experts. They recommend whether or not the variety should be granted protection.

Grant of Certificate

If all requirements are met and no valid opposition is sustained, the Authority grants a certificate of registration to the applicant. This certificate provides exclusive rights to produce, sell, market, distribute, and export or import the registered variety for the duration of protection.

Conclusion

Plant Variety Protection in India strikes a delicate and progressive balance between encouraging agricultural innovation and respecting the rights of traditional farmers. By providing legal recognition and exclusive rights to breeders while also safeguarding farmers’ freedoms and contributions, the PPVFR Act, 2001 has established a uniquely inclusive model. This system not only aligns with international obligations like the TRIPS Agreement but also reflects India’s deep-rooted agricultural heritage and diverse ecosystem. Ultimately, protecting plant varieties isn’t just about intellectual property it’s about securing the future of farming, ensuring food security, and creating a sustainable path forward for Indian agriculture in a changing world.

Frequently asked Questions

Q1. What is Plant Variety Protection (PVP)?

Ans. Plant Variety Protection (PVP) is a legal right granted to breeders of new plant varieties, giving them exclusive control over the production, sale, and marketing of their varieties for a specific period.

Q2. What law governs plant variety protection in India?

Ans. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act, 2001 governs the registration and protection of plant varieties in India.

Q3. Who can apply for the registration of a plant variety?

Ans. The following can apply:

Breeders
Farmers or farming communities
Legal successors or assignees of breeders
Public and private agricultural institutions

Q4. What types of plant varieties are eligible for registration?

Ans. Under the PPVFR Act, the following varieties can be registered:

New varieties
Extant varieties
Farmers’ varieties
Essentially Derived Varieties (EDVs)

Q5. What are the criteria for a plant variety to be registered?

Ans. A plant variety must fulfill the NDUS criteria:

Novelty
Distinctiveness
Uniformity
Stability

Q6. Can a farmer register a variety developed through traditional methods?

Ans. Yes. The PPVFR Act recognizes and allows registration of Farmers’ Varieties developed or preserved through traditional knowledge.

Q7. How long does protection last for a registered variety?

Ans. Trees and vines: 18 years

Other crops: 15 years
Extant varieties: 15 years from the date of government notification

Q8. What varieties cannot be registered?

Ans. Plant varieties that:

Are harmful to life or environment
Contain Terminator technology
Violate public order or morality
Are not among notified genera/species by the government

Q9. Where can the application be filed?

Ans. Applications can be submitted to the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, located in New Delhi, or online at www.plantauthority.gov.in.

Q10. What is DUS testing?

Ans. DUS stands for Distinctiveness, Uniformity, and Stability. It's a scientific test conducted over crop seasons to determine if the variety is eligible for protection.

Q11. Can others oppose my plant variety application?

Ans. Yes. After your application is published, the public has three months to file an objection, if any.

Q12. Does the PPVFR Act protect farmers’ rights too?

Ans. Yes. The Act is unique in that it protects both breeders' and farmers' rights, including the right of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds.