Commodity News : Agri : Rajasthan’s Nagauri Pan Methi Officially Registered, Farmers to Gain Major Benefits

Rajasthan’s famous “Nagauri Pan Methi” from Nagaur district has now received significant recognition. India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) has officially registered this special fenugreek as a Community Farmers’ Variety. With this decision, farmers in Nagaur now hold legal rights over this traditional crop.

The registration was published in the Plant Variety Journal in February 2026, granting farmers legal ownership and multiple rights over their traditional fenugreek. Farmers who have been cultivating this unique variety for generations now have their efforts formally recognized.

Recognition of Generations of Farmers’ Efforts

Experts say this is a historic achievement for Nagaur farmers. According to Dr. Bhagirath Chaudhary, Director of the South Asia Biotechnology Center (SABC), the registration of Nagauri Methi honors the hard work and traditional knowledge of generations of farmers.

He added that this is the first time this particular variety has been granted intellectual property protection. Grown mainly in the arid regions of Rajasthan, this fenugreek is highly valued for its aroma, taste, and quality, making it sought after both domestically and internationally.

Recognition of Women Farmers’ Role

A special aspect of this registration is the recognition of women farmers. Under the leadership of Geeta Devi, head of the Mundwa Panchayat Committee, the farmers’ community is officially recognized as the guardian of this variety.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has declared 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers. Granting community rights to Nagauri Pan Methi highlights the contributions of women farmers on a global platform.

Key Benefits for Farmers

This registration provides farmers with multiple significant benefits. The most important advantage is that it will help prevent biopiracy. No company or individual can now use this variety commercially without farmers’ permission.

Other benefits include:

• Prevention of sale of fake or inferior seeds

• Legal protection of farmers’ rights over this variety

• Farmers will have a share in benefits arising from research or commercial use

A Step Toward GI Tag

Experts believe that this registration is a significant step toward obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. If Nagauri Methi receives the GI tag, its recognition in international markets will strengthen, potentially increasing farmers’ earnings and opening new export opportunities.

Opportunities for Export

Nagauri Pan Methi is already listed by the Spice Board of India. This was made possible through the efforts of DBT Biotech Kisan Hub and NABARD, which also simplifies its export potential.

For a long time, this fenugreek was mistakenly identified as “Kasuri Methi”, but now its true identity has been officially recognized.

A New Hope for Farmers

The registration of Nagauri Pan Methi is not just a formal process; it is a major step in protecting farmers’ traditional knowledge, hard work, and biodiversity. This move is expected to bring economic benefits to Nagaur farmers while giving their crop national and international recognition.