🌱 SKLTHU Pushes for Strong IPR Frameworks to Protect Horticultural Innovations
Hyderabad, August 1, 2025 – Emphasizing the critical role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in horticultural development, Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU), called for robust legal frameworks to protect both farmer-led innovations and institutional research.
Speaking at the National Workshop on “Protecting Innovations in Horticulture – IPR Awareness Program” held at the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Dr. Reddy urged faculty and students to actively pursue patent filings, setting a target of at least one patent per month from the university. He also announced financial support from SKLTHU for patent-worthy innovations.
The workshop was jointly organized by the Telangana State Council of Science & Technology (TSCOST) and the IPR Cell of SKLTHU, with support from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Telangana Government’s Environment, Forests, Science & Technology Department.
Highlighting SKLTHU’s efforts in varietal development and GI registrations—like Balanagar custard apple and Armoor turmeric—Dr. Reddy said, “Horticultural progress must align with ethical protection mechanisms. Protecting innovations will strengthen rural economies and empower farmers.”
Keynote speaker Mr. Subhajit Saha, Head – Legal & IPR at Resolute for IP, explained the economic and ecological value of GIs and IPRs, citing examples of successful GI-tagged products achieving premium prices and brand identity. He lauded SKLTHU’s documentation of cultural narratives and scientific traits for GI filings.
Dr. J. Cheena, Dean of Horticulture, proposed a “One Scientist, One Patent Per Year” initiative to turn research into societal value.
Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, Organizing Secretary, shared the university’s project to document Telangana’s traditional horticultural practices for GI protection. “Soon, unique farmer varieties across Telangana will be safeguarded under IPR,” he said.
The workshop featured participation from students, scholars, legal experts, and grassroots innovators. Dr. P. Prasanth, Associate Dean, delivered the vote of thanks. Interactive sessions and case studies rounded off the workshop, with a collective call to embed IPR education in horticultural studies.
