This paper proposes an enhanced control scheme for a direct drive variable speed wind turbine with an interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous generator. The proposed control scheme incorporates maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) trajectory and maximum power extraction, which ensures the generation of required torque for maximum power extraction with minimum stator current. This in turn minimizes stator copper loss and excessive heat generated in the IPM synchronous generator. The performance of the proposed control scheme has been validated through rigours simulation and experimental studies under varying wind speed conditions. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed control method.