Kerala woman earns patents for unique lotus varieties developed on her rooftop

In the heart of Pathanamthitta in Kerala, a flourishing terrace garden has achieved a prestigious national milestone. Ajitha K V, a dedicated horticulturist, has successfully developed several unique lotus varieties from her rooftop, two of which—‘Mayuri’ and ‘Panineer’—have recently been granted intellectual property protection.

This recognition comes from the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority, a statutory body under the Union Ministry of Agriculture. These patented blooms are the culmination of years of meticulous experimentation with diverse tubers and pollen cross-breeding.