The MoU includes transfer of 10 IISR technologies, including licensed varieties and value-added product formulations in black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg.

ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, celebrated its 51st Foundation Day on July 1, 2026, with the theme “Spices for Progress and Prosperity,” highlighting its achievements in spice research, technology development and dissemination for the benefit of farmers and other stakeholders. During the event, a landmark MoU was signed between ICAR-IISR and the State Kudumbhasree Mission, Thiruvananthapuram, for the transfer of 10 IISR technologies, including licensed varieties and value-added product formulations in black pepper, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. A separate licence agreement was signed with Gramin Multi State Agro Cooperative Society Limited, Perambra, Kozhikode, for the variety IISR Chandra.

The agreement also covered four value-added technologies developed by IISR: a spice concoction and its preparation process, a jaggery-based value-added product, a spice mix for use in milk and milk products, and nutmeg rind-based value-added products. The license agreement was received by Shanavas, State Programme Officer, Kudumbashree Mission, from Director R Dinesh.

A separate technology licensing agreement was signed with Gramin Multi State Agro Cooperative Society Limited, Perambra, for the multiplication and dissemination of the IISR Chandra black pepper variety among spice growers. The institute also released four Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) publications on turmeric, cardamom, black pepper and ginger during the programme.

The Chief Guest, Dr Jayaraj U. Kidavu, Executive Director, National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Kozhikode, emphasised the advanced research at NIELIT and the opportunities for collaboration with ICAR-IISR in spice crop research.

A small exhibition of ICAR-IISR post-harvest technologies was arranged near the venue. On June 30, 2026, a farmer–scientist interface meeting was held at Kattippara Panchayat as part of the Foundation Day, where farmers interacted with staff and clarified doubts on spice crop cultivation.

The Chief Guest distributed appreciation letters to the employees and for the best research paper by students. A photography competition was held as part of the Foundation Day, and prizes were distributed to the winners. Four publications on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for black pepper, ginger, turmeric and cardamom were released at the function.

The function concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Maneesha S R, Senior Scientist, followed by the National Anthem. The programme also featured a motivational talk by Mr. P M A Gafoor, Writer and Motivational Speaker.