ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode observes 51st Foundation Day

1 July 2026, Kozhikode

ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode celebrated its 51st Foundation Day today with the theme ‘Spices for Progress and Prosperity’, highlighting the institute’s contributions towards spice research, innovation, technology development and dissemination.

Dr R Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IISR, presided over the function and presented the institute’s major research achievements and future roadmap.

Dr Jayaraj U Kidav, Executive Director, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Kozhikode, was the Chief Guest. In his address, he highlighted the scope of integrating advanced technologies with agriculture and emphasized opportunities for collaborative research in spice crop development.

As part of the celebrations, ICAR-IISR entered into technology licensing agreements with partner organizations to facilitate wider adoption of institute-developed technologies. The State Kudumbashree Mission received licenses for Black pepper IISR Chandra, Turmeric IISR Prathibha, IISR Alleppey Supreme, Ginger IISR Vajra, Cardamom IISR Manushree, Cinnamon IISR Nithyashree and four value-added technologies including spice concoction and its preparation process, jaggery-based value-added product, spice mix as an adjuvant in milk and milk products, and nutmeg rind-based value-added products.

A separate licensing agreement was signed with Gramin Multi State Agro Cooperative Society Limited, Perambra for the multiplication and dissemination of the black pepper variety IISR Chandra among spice growers.

Four publications on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Black Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric and Cardamom were released during the event. A technology exhibition showcasing ICAR-IISR post-harvest technologies was also arranged near the venue.

As part of the Foundation Day activities, a Farmer–Scientist Interaction Programme was also conducted at Kattippara Panchayat, Kozhikode, on June 30th enabling farmers to interact with scientists and clarify their queries related to spice crop cultivation.

The programme also included appreciation of best-performing employees and recognition of students for their outstanding research publications. A special session by writer and motivational speaker Shri PMA Gafoor was organised as part of the programme.

(Source: ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode)