CSIR-IIIM Jammu has inaugurated the National Intellectual Property Festival-NIPF (Rastriya Boudhik Sampada Mahotshav) on July 17, 2023.On the Second day of celebration of National Intellectual Property Festival, one day Agrotech IP Conference on “Nurturing Innovation and Intellectual Property in Plant Varieties and Agri-Startups” is being organized at CK-Atal Auditorium of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu which was attended by Farmers, Scientists, Scholars and Students.

The program aims to empower farmers with knowledge and understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the PPV&FRA Act. The program aims to educate Scientists, Farmers, research scholars and students about the key provisions and benefits of this important legislation.

Dr Uma Kant Dubey, Deputy Registrar, Protection of Plant varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, while delivering the key note address, has provided guidance on the procedure for registration of plant varieties and the steps involved in the protection process. He gave an in-depth explanation of PPV&FRA Act’s key provisions, rights, and obligations for farmers and plant breeders. He created awareness about the benefits of using protected varieties and how they contribute to increased agricultural productivity.

Dr Manju Gerard, Principal Scientist, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, delivered a detailed session on scope of intellectual property rights in creating agricultural start-ups. It was informed that around 200 participants inclusive of Scientists, Farmers, Technical Staff, and Research Scholars & Project Staff physically participated in this event & 240 Participants attended online.

Earlier Er. Abdul Rahim, Head RMBD & IST Division of CSIR-IIIM in his welcome address, has given a brief overview of the today’s event. He further emphasized about the importance of creating awareness on PPV&FRA Act &how Geographical Indication (G.I) is utilised as a tool for marketing, branding, and expanding product portfolios around the world.Jammu & Kashmir is well-known around the world for its products such as Kashmiri Handicrafts, Kashmiri Saffron, Kashmiri Shawls, and Baderwah Rajma.

Dr Kancherla Prasad, the convenor of the program has emphasized the importance of Agrotech-IP conference is being organized by CSIR-IIIM to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the protection of intellectual property rights in the agrotech industry.

All S&T staff of Plant Sciences & Agro technology (PSA) division of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu & Chatha Farm attended the Conference.

Dr. Suphla Gupta, Senior principal Scientist has conducted the proceedings, while as Dr.Sumeet Gairola, Principal Scientist presented the vote of thanks.