Dr. Rajani Jaiswal, first Executive Director of Seed Innovation & Protection Initiative Asia Pacific Limited (SIPI), Singapore brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, legal training, and industry experience to the role. She brings nearly 20 years of expertise at the intersection of science, law, and industry, with a strong focus on intellectual property rights including patents, and plant variety protection. Passionate about safeguarding the roots of tomorrow’s harvests.
Dr. Rajani earned her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from the National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India and Hamdard University, New Delhi, India followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Delhi, South Campus.
A registered Indian Patent Agent, she also holds an LL.B. from Karnataka State Law University, equipping her to navigate both technical and legal aspects of IP.
She most recently served as Intellectual Property Rights Manager at Bioseed Research India-DCM Shriram Ltd. Hyderabad, India, where she established the company’s in-house IP focal point and led IP portfolio management, risk assessment, and strategy development
As the global population approaches 9.7 billion, food demand is anticipated to increase by 60% by 2050, necessitating urgent advancements in seed development. Concurrently, factors such as climate change, soil degradation, and diminishing water resources are further complicating agricultural productivity. A particularly pressing concern is the rise of illegal seed practices (ISP), which jeopardize food security, undermine farmer livelihoods, and disrupt the agricultural supply chain. To combat these challenges effectively, the enforcement of Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR) is essential for encouraging the development of resilient crop varieties that can endure climatic challenges. In this context, the Seed Innovation & Protection Initiative Asia Pacific Limited (SIPI), based in Singapore, plays a vital role as an international organization that represents the interests of the seed industry. SIPI is dedicated to equipping its members with the necessary resources and tools to acknowledge and advocate for the significance of seed innovations and adherence to intellectual property rights. These efforts are crucial not only for growers and industry stakeholders but also for consumers and the broader agricultural community to ensure a sustainable and secure food future.
