The National IP Yatra Nagaland 2025, a two-day event focused on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), commenced on 28th March 2025, 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 aims to raise awareness about intellectual property protection among various sectors.
Advisor for the Department of Agriculture, Mathung Yanthan, emphasized the importance of sustainable farming practices and agricultural development while addressing a gathering of farmers, officials, and stakeholders.
In his speech, Yanthan acknowledged the critical role of the agricultural sector in ensuring food security and economic stability. He highlighted various government initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, improving productivity, and promoting modern farming techniques. Stressing the need for adopting sustainable agricultural practices, he encouraged farmers to integrate organic methods, soil conservation techniques, and efficient water management strategies.
Yanthan also spoke about the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through financial support, training programs, and access to quality seeds and fertilizers. He urged farmers to take advantage of government schemes designed to boost agricultural output and enhance their livelihoods.
Additionally, the Advisor highlighted the importance of collaboration between farmers, agricultural experts, and policymakers to address challenges such as climate change, pest infestations, and market fluctuations. He called for increased awareness and adoption of innovative farming technologies that can enhance productivity while maintaining ecological balance.
The Advisor assured that the government remains committed to fostering a resilient agricultural sector that benefits both farmers and consumers alike.
Delivering the welcome address, Joint Secretary, IDAN, Reny Wilfred, IAS, emphasized that the IP Yatra shines a spotlight on the creativity, indigenous knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Nagaland. He mentioned that this program is a moment to recognize, protect, and showcase the intellectual wealth that resides within the communities, artisans, and farmers. Ideas have value, and that value must be safeguarded, he stated.
The initiative, launched by MoMSME, seeks to enhance awareness about IPR, create synergies between government and private institutions, and encourage increased IP filings within India and internationally. Wilfred highlighted that the event is not just about legal registrations and trademarks but about fostering a sense of ownership over indigenous innovations.
The goal, he said, is to extend the impact of this Yatra across the state, reaching farmers, students, innovators, and start-ups, equipping them with the necessary tools to protect their intellectual capital. It’s about building an ecosystem of accessibility and economic opportunity, he added, urging participants to make the most of the workshop and share their learnings with others.
The National IP Yatra 2025 in Nagaland is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a robust intellectual property ecosystem in the region, empowering individuals and businesses to secure their innovations and contribute to economic growth.
Dr. Nesatalu Hiese, Mission Director, emphasized the significance of intellectual property (IP) rights in fostering innovation and economic growth during a recent event announcing the establishment of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) in Nagaland.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hiese highlighted the collaborative efforts of IDAN, the Patent Information Centre (PIC) – NASTEC, and Educentre in setting up IPFCs in Kohima and Dimapur under the MSME Innovative Scheme. These centers aim to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in protecting their intellectual assets and navigating the complexities of IP registration.
The Mission Director stressed that many entrepreneurs, start-ups, and local businesses lack awareness of IP rights, which can be crucial for securing patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The newly established centers will offer free professional services, including prior art searches, patent and trademark filing assistance, and commercialization strategies. She stated that this initiative is a step forward in safeguarding local innovations and ensuring that Nagaland’s businesses can compete on a broader scale.
Dr. Hiese also addressed the importance of plant variety protection for farmers, explaining that securing legal rights over plant varieties would enhance their incomes and provide clear ownership, reducing conflicts over seed usage. She further encouraged businesses to obtain industrial design rights, citing benefits such as brand differentiation, increased market value, and deterrence of product imitation.
The event was attended by college students, entrepreneurs, agricultural experts, who welcomed the initiative, seeing it as a vital tool for economic empowerment in the region.
The workshop, as part of the National IP Yatra initiative, seeks to:
1. Promote awareness and sensitization on intellectual property among the people of Nagaland.
2. Enable MSMEs in the state to understand, identify, and utilize intellectual property for competitive advantage.
3. Increase the presence and impact of the Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre (IPFC) and MSME Innovative Scheme, ensuring businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from them.
4. Guide MSMEs in identifying and integrating intellectual property into their day-to-day business operations, leveraging it for sustainable growth and excellence.
5. Provide insights into the commercialization of IP-based products, helping businesses turn their innovations into economic assets.
(Takumpula Longkumer, IA)
