Seminar Highlights Need for Global Protection of Sindh’s Unique Agricultural and Cultural Products

Tando Jam (Press Release): In a significant seminar hosted by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) of Pakistan, Vice Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri emphasized the global market potential of nearly fifty distinctive agricultural and cultural products from Sindh, such as the Red Sindhi Cow, Sindhri mango, Ajrak, and Basmati rice. Addressing the attendees, Dr. Marri voiced concerns over certain countries claiming exclusive rights over products originating from Sindh through international treaties.

Speaking at the “Seminar on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge with Stakeholder Consultation on the Adoption of the WIPO Treaty,” Dr. Marri explained that although the Red Sindhi cow is native to Sindh, Brazil and the Netherlands have registered modified versions under international treaties, emphasizing the need for Pakistan to take measures to safeguard its own indigenous products. He highlighted other unique products from Sindh, including the Indus dolphin, Red rice, Sindhi pala fish, and Sugdasi rice, which require patent registrations for protection on a global scale.

IPO Pakistan Chairman and former diplomat Farrukh Amal discussed the country’s membership in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty, focusing on intellectual property for genetic resources and traditional knowledge. He explained that 26 countries, including Pakistan, are part of this treaty, and IPO is consulting with academia and agricultural stakeholders across the country to establish strong protections for Pakistan’s unique products. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the economic potential of these products, advocating for Pakistan to enhance national economic security and advance toward industrialization.

Farrukh Amal also underscored the importance of educating Pakistan’s labor force, especially those involved in the production sector, about value chains, while noting that countries like India are even claiming fashion designs inspired by Sindh’s Ajrak. IPO Senior Patent Examiner Saima Kanwal emphasized the potential for various products from Sindh, such as guava, handmade crafts, and Sindhi pottery, to be registered internationally. She urged stakeholders to contribute actively to securing Pakistan’s place in the global market for these products.

Key figures including Dr. Zia-ul-Hassan Shah, Advisor on Academic Affairs to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Tanveer Fatima Miano, Director ORIC, Tasfi Fatima, and other prominent speakers addressed the audience. A panel discussion followed with insights from Farrukh Amal, Dr. Ejaz Khoharo, agricultural leader Syed Mehmood Nawaz Shah, Dr. Shahnawar Mari, Muhammad Rafiq, Dr. Tanveer Fatima, and other experts, discussing the ownership and registration of national products on a global scale. The event was attended by Registrar Ghulam Mohiuddin Qureshi, experts from various institutions, faculty members, students, and progressive farmers.