October 10, 2026 · ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode

Secretary (ICAR) Visits ICAR-IISR, Reviews Research Facilities and Witnesses Launch of New Technologies

Kozhikode, October 10: Shri Gyanendra D. Tripathi, IAS, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary (ICAR), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, visited the ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, and reviewed the institute's research facilities, technological advancements and initiatives in spice crop improvement and technology commercialisation.

During the visit, Shri Tripathi toured the institute's Biochemistry Laboratory, Tissue Culture Laboratory, Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), Central Facility and Post-Harvest Technology (PHT) Laboratory. He also visited the Advanced Biocontrol Laboratory and the Garden of Gingers, gaining an overview of the institute's research infrastructure and ongoing activities in spices.

An interaction with scientists, administrative and technical staff was held at the institute's Committee Room. The programme featured the release of the ICAR-IISR Annual Highlights 2025 and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) publications on black pepper, cardamom, ginger and turmeric, providing research-based guidance for spice cultivation.

The programme also marked the licensing of the black pepper variety IISR Chandra and the in vitro micro-rhizome technology, along with the launch of value-added kokum food products and a liquid formulation of an entomopathogenic fungus. These initiatives reflect the institute's efforts to translate research outputs into technologies and products with potential applications in agriculture and the spice value chain.

Two digital initiatives were also launched during the programme: PepDx, an AI-powered digital platform, and a database developed by the institute. The launches highlighted the role of digital tools and scientific information resources in supporting research and technology applications in the spice sector.