Unveiling The Potential: Intellectual Property Rights As A Stimulator Of Innovation For Sustainable Agriculture And Food Security Under SDG 2

Mahalakshmi P, The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law

ABSTRACT

This research explores the complex nexus between Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and their role in inciting innovation within the agricultural sector, which ultimately contributes to sustainable food production and security in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2). With a growing global population and increasing pressure on agricultural resources, innovation seems to be too crucial and vital for ensuring food security while alleviating environmental impacts. However, the extent to which IPRs facilitate or hinder agricultural innovation and equitable access to innovations remains a subject of debate, which in turn causes us to develop a wariness, as to whether IPR will serve as a catalyst or as an inhibitor in our process of achieving SDG 2.

This study employs a panoramic analysis to scrutinise the mechanisms through which IPRs incentivize innovation in sustainable agriculture. It investigates how various forms of IPRs, including patents, trademarks, and geographical indications, influence research and development activities, technology transfer, and knowledge diffusion within the agricultural sector. Moreover, it evaluates the implications of IPRs on the adoption and dissemination of agricultural innovations among farmers, particularly in developing countries and least developed countries where access to modern agricultural technologies is often slender. The study launches with an analysis of how IPR regimes act as catalysts for agricultural innovation and equally concedes the potential downside. It explores mechanisms to safeguard indigenous agricultural practices and biodiversity-related knowledge from misappropriation while ensuring that intellectual property frameworks do not suppress innovation or impede technology transfer.

The findings of this study offers insights into policy interventions that can foster innovation while addressing concerns relating to Sustainable agriculture and attainment of SDG 2.

Keywords: food security, sustainable agriculture, SDG 2, developing countries, least developed countries, intellectual property rights