The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell in Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) is sparse and innocuous but its outstanding work over the years has earned it an enviable reputation. Led by Dr C.R. Elsy, the IPR Cell, with a shoestring budget and a small team, has been scouting fields and farms in search of unique plant varieties which might otherwise have become extinct.
The cell has ensured that as many as eight such varieties now have Geographical Indication (GI), a recognition which raises the status of those crops and helps farmers earn more money.
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