The Department of Agriculture confirmed on Nov 7, 2026, that CPRAM Co Ltd registered four holy basil varieties under the Plant Varieties Protection Act BE 2542 (1999). Spokeswoman Sasiya Parntan stated that the agency verified the registration status to address public concern regarding potential impacts on local farmers.
Officials reviewed Certificates of New Plant Variety Protection alongside additional required documentation submitted by the CP Group subsidiary. Reviewers evaluated the submissions against distinctiveness, uniformity, and stability criteria.
Authorities confirm distinctiveness of four Kaewjuree varieties
The review established the legality of the four Kaewjuree varieties. Authorities confirmed the distinctiveness of every sub-variety approved under the standard evaluation framework. Breeding investigations spanning two cropping seasons showed that all Kaewjuree strains are visibly distinct from two similar local varieties, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Protection applies solely to these four registered strains. Ms Sasiya stated that the rights do not extend to indigenous or common holy basil varieties utilized by the public and growers.
No stakeholders dispute Kaewjuree registrations
The statutory 90-day legal window following the filings closed without any stakeholders filing a petition to dispute the Kaewjuree registrations. Protection under the 1999 legislation is not restricted to any single private entity. The statute provides legal rights to individuals, universities, plant breeders, private companies, and other organizations that develop new varieties meeting statutory criteria, subject to identical examination processes.
Growers retain rights to cultivate indigenous basil varieties
Farmers retain unrestricted rights to cultivate and utilize indigenous and common holy basil varieties. Growers may legally produce protected varieties for personal consumption, harvest and sell the leaves, or incorporate them into food products sold commercially without limitations.
Commercial propagation is restricted. Anyone intending to propagate protected varieties for commercial ends—such as generating seeds, cultivating seedlings, or harvesting stem cuttings for sale as planting materials—must secure authorization from the rights holder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Basil Registration
Can farmers still grow their usual holy basil plants?
Yes. Cultivation and usage rights for indigenous and common holy basil varieties remain entirely unaffected by the CPRAM registrations.
Do growers need permission to sell food made with the protected strains?
No. Growers may legally harvest the leaves and use them as ingredients in food products for commercial sale without obtaining a license.
What activities require permission from the rights holder?
Commercial propagation—specifically producing seeds, growing seedlings, or taking stem cuttings to sell as planting materials—requires prior authorization from CPRAM Co Ltd.
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