COMMUNITY RIGHTS UNDER THE PPV&FR ACT, 2001: SYMBOLISM AND GAPS IN BENEFIT SHARING IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Abstract

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001 is a landmark legal development in India, recognizing both farmers’ rights and community rights in the conservation and development of plant varieties. This article examines the legal contours of community rights under the regime of this Act, with a specific focus on Northeast Region (NER) of India - a region rich in biodiversity but often overlooked in legal implementation. Through doctrinal analysis and case studies from Manipur, Meghalaya, and Assam, the article evaluates the practical application of the statutory benefit-sharing mechanisms. The findings highlight a gap between the legislative intent and ground level execution owing to factors like regional marginalization, lack of legal knowledge, lack of institutional support etc. It concludes with policy suggestions aimed for enhancing legal literacy, expanding access to institutional systems, and promoting inclusive governance for fair benefit distribution and traditional knowledge preservation.