The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) has made updates regarding DUS (Distinctiveness, Uniformity and Stability) testing fees and registration time limits for certain crop species.
DUS Test Fee Revisions
The Authority, during its 38th meeting held on August 6th, 2024, has approved revised Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) test fees for seven crop species.
These fees apply to both new and extant varieties seeking registration under the PPV&FR Act, 2003.
The table below summarizes the new fees:
| Crop Species | DUS Test Fee (New Varieties) | On-Site Fee (New Varieties) |
|---|---|---|
| Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) | Rs. 40,000/- | – |
| Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii) | Rs. 30,000/- | – |
| Ailanthus (Ailanthus excelsa) | Rs. 30,000/- | Rs. 40,000/- |
| Dahlia (Dahlia spp) | Rs. 40,000/- | – |
| Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) | Rs. 40,000/- | – |
| Lemon Grass (Cymbopogan flexuosus) | Rs. 30,000/- | – |
| Chilli, Paprika & Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) | Rs. 60,000/- (Under protected conditions) | – |
Extant Variety Registration:
The DUS test fee for extant varieties (existing varieties) is set at 50% of the new variety fee.
The Authority may decide on DUS testing for Especially Distinct Varieties (EDVs) at the same cost as new varieties.
Time Limits for Extant Variety Registration:
The Authority has also announced time limits for registering extant varieties of the listed crop species.
These deadlines apply to notified extant varieties, extant varieties with common knowledge, and farmer varieties.
The details can be found in the Plant Variety Journal of India (Vol.-18, No.-8, August 2024) for some species, while others have specific publication dates mentioned in the release.
These updates aim to streamline the process of registering new and existing plant varieties under the PPV&FR Act.
