The National IP Yatra Nagaland 2025, a two-day event aimed at raising awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), began today at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima. Organized by the Investment Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) and the Patent Information Centre under the Nagaland Science & Technology Council, the event seeks to promote intellectual property protection across various sectors.
Advisor for the Department of Agriculture, Mathung Yanthan, addressed the gathering of farmers, officials, and stakeholders, stressing the significance of sustainable farming practices. He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through financial assistance, training programs, and improved access to quality seeds and fertilizers. Yanthan urged farmers to adopt organic methods, soil conservation techniques, and efficient water management strategies to enhance productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
He further emphasized the need for collaboration among farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers to address challenges such as climate change, pest infestations, and market fluctuations. The government, he assured, remains committed to fostering a resilient agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and consumers.
Joint Secretary of IDAN, Reny Wilfred, IAS, delivered the welcome address, stating that the National IP Yatra is an opportunity to recognize and protect the intellectual wealth of Nagaland’s communities, artisans, and farmers. He underscored the importance of safeguarding ideas and fostering a sense of ownership over indigenous innovations. The initiative, he said, is not just about legal registrations and trademarks but about creating a broader ecosystem of accessibility and economic opportunity.
The event also marked the announcement of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) in Nagaland, a collaborative effort by IDAN, the Patent Information Centre (PIC) – NASTEC, and Educentre. Mission Director Dr. Nesatalu Hiese emphasized the role of IP rights in fostering innovation and economic growth. She highlighted the lack of awareness among entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses regarding IP protections and the need for structured support in securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
The newly established IPFCs in Kohima and Dimapur, set up under the MSME Innovative Scheme, will provide free professional services, including prior art searches, patent and trademark filing assistance, and commercialization strategies. Dr. Hiese also spoke on plant variety protection for farmers, stressing that securing legal rights over plant varieties can boost incomes and reduce conflicts over seed usage.
The workshop, as part of the National IP Yatra initiative, aims to:
· Promote awareness and sensitization on intellectual property among the people of Nagaland.
· Enable MSMEs to understand, identify, and utilize intellectual property for competitive advantage.
· Strengthen the role of the IPFC and MSME Innovative Scheme in benefiting businesses and entrepreneurs.
· Help MSMEs integrate intellectual property into their business strategies for sustainable growth.
· Provide insights into commercializing IP-based products, turning innovations into economic assets.
The event witnessed participation from college students, entrepreneurs, and agricultural experts, who welcomed the initiative as a crucial step in economic empowerment and innovation-driven development in Nagaland.
