Hati Kisan Sangh receives Plant Genome Saviour Community Award

Hati Kisan Sangh, from Sirmaur district, received the Plant Genome Saviour Community Award from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority. The award recognises the community’s work to conserve traditional agricultural practices, local seed varieties and plant genetic resources.

The award was presented at a national ceremony in New Delhi on 12 November 2026. The Hati community also displayed traditional seeds and agricultural products at an exhibition held alongside the ceremony. Five farming communities from across India are selected for the award. Each selected community receives ₹10 lakh, a citation and a memento.

The award application followed the registration of the local Saunth variety in August 2025. A committee visited Sirmaur to assess conservation work before the final selection. Efforts are planned to seek a Geographical Indication tag for Saunth and to register other local seed and plant varieties.