partnerships must begin during the earliest stages of research and development .
“ Despite the potential for innovation , private sector investment remains a challenge , especially in crops like rice and wheat that rely on open-pollinated varieties ( OPVs ). Unlike hybrid seeds , farmers can save and replant OPV seeds , reducing the financial incentive for seed companies to invest in research and development . Private investment in OPVs is low because there is no effective mechanism to protect intellectual property in such varieties ," Dr Singh points out .
To address this , Dr Singh suggests a revenue-sharing model where farmers who reuse seeds contribute a small portion of their harvest to seed companies . " This model could encourage more private investment in India ’ s seed industry . This system , used successfully in other countries , could drive investment in OPVs and ensure they receive the attention needed , benefitting both farmers and companies .”
Leveraging the public-private partnerships
One of the most promising ways to fast-track the deployment of new technologies is through public-private partnerships . Historically , public institutions led agricultural research in India , but the private sector now plays a growing role in bringing innovations to market .
Dr Singh highlights ICAR ' s efforts to promote such collaborations , noting , " We have created guidelines for sharing germplasm , conducting joint research , and co-developing educational programs to create industry-ready human resources ."
Collaboration between public institutions and private companies is essential for the commercialization of technologies like genomics and transgenics . However , for these innovations to reach farmers promptly , partnerships must begin during the earliest stages of research and development .
“ Despite the potential for innovation , private sector investment remains a challenge , especially in crops like rice and wheat that rely on open-pollinated varieties ( OPVs ). Unlike hybrid seeds , farmers can save and replant OPV seeds , reducing the financial incentive for seed companies to invest in research and development . Private investment in OPVs is low because there is no effective mechanism to protect intellectual property in such varieties ," Dr Singh points out .
To address this , Dr Singh suggests a revenue-sharing model where farmers who reuse seeds contribute a small portion of their harvest to seed companies . " This model could encourage more private investment in India ’ s seed industry . This system , used successfully in other countries ,
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