KFRI director Kannan C.S. Warrier appointed as chairperson of task force committee on Kumizh tree
Committee to develop DUS testing guidelines for the tree; fast-growing and high-yielding Kumizh trees are widely used for industrial purposes
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has appointed Kannan C.S. Warrier, director of the institute, as chairperson of a task force committee tasked with developing guidelines for DUS testing of the 'Kumizh' tree. This mandatory test must be completed before granting intellectual property protection to a new plant variety. The test ensures the new variety is distinct from existing ones and maintains its characteristics over generations.
The 'Kumizh' tree, known for its industrial value and use in Ayurveda, will benefit from these standards, as it will prevent fake varieties from entering the market and ensure farmers receive high-quality planting material. Warrier, known for his research on 'Katadi' trees suitable for sodic soils, has received several prestigious awards for his contributions to forestry and biodiversity conservation.
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