Celebration of “World Intellectual Property Day 2026” at ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack 
A half-day Awareness Programme was organized at the ICAR–Central Rice Research Institute on April 27, 2026, under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.” The programme was conducted as part of the observance of World Intellectual Property Day 2026 and was held from 10:15 AM to 1:00 PM. The primary objective of the programme was to enhance awareness regarding the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in fostering innovation, particularly within the agricultural sector.
The programme was chaired by Dr. G. A. K. Kumar, Director of ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack. It included lectures delivered by professionals working in the areas of intellectual property and agricultural innovation.
Dr. B. C. Patra, Emeritus Scientist and former Director of ICAR-CRRI, delivered an insightful lecture on “IPR in Agriculture.” He elaborated on various types of intellectual property rights and emphasized the importance of effective IPR management in agricultural research. He underscored the need to protect scientific innovations to ensure their sustainable utilization and commercialization for the benefit of farmers and society.
Dr. Shweta Sharma, Ph.D. in Biotechnology (ICGEB), LLB, and a Registered Patent Agent of M/s Khurana and Khurana, in India, delivered a comprehensive lecture on “Patenting in Agriculture.” Her presentation covered practical aspects of the patent filing process, including prior art searches, documentation requirements, and essential guidelines. She also explained the types of agricultural innovations eligible for patent protection, making the session highly relevant for researchers and students.
Dr. Hareram Sahoo, Scientific Officer, NRDC delivered a lecture titled “IP as a Catalyst: Driving Innovation, Technology Transfer and Startup/Entrepreneurship Promotion.” He highlighted the role of intellectual property in facilitating technology transfer and fostering entrepreneurship. He also discussed funding opportunities available through organizations such as the National Research Development Corporation and encouraged participants to translate research outcomes into viable entrepreneurial ventures.
The programme witnessed active participation from scientists, students, and staff members. An interactive question-and-answer session was conducted at the end, enabling participants to engage with the speakers and seek clarification on various aspects of IPR, patenting, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
The programme concluded with the Chair’s remarks, reinforcing the importance of intellectual property as a key driver of innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and allied sectors.
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