A one-day Agrotech IP Conference on “Nurturing Innovation and Intellectual Property in Plant Varieties and Agri-Startups” was organized by CSIR-IIIM in Leh-Ladakh UT on the 6^th day of celebrations of National Intellectual Property Festival, under the ages of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) to mark the 75 years of India’s Independence, The Six day National Intellectual Property Festival was earlier inaugurated at CSIR-IIIM, Jammu on July 17, 2023.

The conference was attended by farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, Research scholars and students of various institutions along with officials from other Government departments.

Dr. Padma Gurmet Director, National institute for Sowa-Rigpa (NISR) Leh-Ladakh UT while addressing the audience, gave an overview of traditional knowledge in context of IPR. He further emphasized on geographical indications like raktsey karpo apricot, Ladakh’s wood carving etc and further conservation of intellectual property rights of traditional medicine, as Ladakh region is hub of region specific vast varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants.

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 sustainable agricultural start-ups.

Mr D.S. Raj Ganesh, legal Advisior, Protection of Plant varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, while delivering his address, provided awareness on protection of plant varieties and the Farmers Rights Act, 2001. He gave an in-depth explanation of PPV&FRA Act’s key provisions, rights, and obligations for farmers and plant breeders. Further, he created awareness about the benefits of using protected varieties in the perspective of crops and medicinal plants grown in the Ladakh.

Earlier Dr. Qazi Parvaiz Senior principal scientist of CSIR-IIIM, presented welcome address and also gave an overview of different agricultural practices at Ladakh region.

Dr Dhiraj Vyas, Sr. Principal Scientist and HOD, Plant Sciences Division, briefed audience about various research domains of CSIR-IIIM in sync with ladakh region. He emphasized on development of region specific agro technologies to suit Ladakh region and protecting IPR.

Dr Nasir Ul Rasheed, Senior Scientist, while speaking on the occasion informed that the worldwide focus of scientists and planners has shifted on the development of time appropriate technologies, protection of inventions/technologies and real time technology transfer through licensing for industrial and agricultural growth leading to overall economic development.

Dr Kancherla Prasad, the Convener of the conference informed the participants about the importance of such conference to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the protection of intellectual property rights in the Agrotech industry. The conference was aimed to empower local community with essential knowledge and requisite understanding of their rights and responsibilities under the PPV&FRA Act. The purpose of the conference was also to educate scientists, farmers, research scholars and students about the key provisions and benefits of this important legislation.

Dr Padma lay scientist conducted the proceedings and presented the vote of thanks.

Today’s program was attended by more than 60 participants which included scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, students and Government official from Ladakh UT, while around 72 participants attended the lectures through the online mode.

It was informed that the Six day IPR festival program organised by CSIR-IIIM at Jammu, Srinagar and Leh-Ladakh UT has created awareness for approximately 2000 participants, catering to different domains of Pharma, agriculture and allied areas. Participants at end expressed their pleasure and thanked Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu for choosing Ladakh UT as one of the venues for IPR conference.

It was revealed that the IPR Festival program was organised under Chief Patronage of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM and patronage of Er.Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist & Head, IIIM Srinagar Branch.