ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode signed an agreement with M/s. Bayer Crop Science Limited, Thane, Maharashtra for capacity building, development of plant protection schedule and nematode awareness as well as management programmes at ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode on 25 August 2022. M/s. Bayer Crop Science Limited was represented by Dr. Sangeeta Mendiratta, (Government Affairs-Lead IBSL), Mr. Yogesh Mohite (Crop Lead-Horticulture and Plantations), Mr. Visweswara Rao (Campaign Excellence Lead-South), Mr. Natesan (Commercial Head-South), Ms. Haritha J. Kumar (Territory Business Manager) and Mr. Vinayaka (Research and Development). The meeting was presided over by Dr. C. K. Thankamani, Director (Acting) during which Dr. A. Ishwara Bhat, Head (Acting), Division of Crop Protection briefed about the agreement and narrated the activities proposed to be undertaken under various components of the MoU. Mr. Yogesh Mohite and Dr. V. Srinivasan briefly presented the mandates and missions of M/s. Bayer Crop Science Limited and ICAR-IISR, respectively. The collaboration mainly focuses on sharing research knowledge, expertise, and capabilities of ICAR-IISR to Bayer besides providing technical expertise for conducting capacity building programmes with special emphasis on developing a module for nematode management in spices, particularly in black pepper and ginger. “It is a great moment for the Institute wherein both the signatories are collaborating with a goal to develop best practices for safe spice production towards achieving the aim and mission of the MoU for the benefit of the farming community of India at large” observed Dr. Thankamani.
