HT Bureau
DIPHU, Feb 27: In a significant move to bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern legal frameworks, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Karbi Anglong, hosted a one-day seminar titled “Intellectual Property Rights and Traditional Knowledge Protection.”
The event, organised by the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), focused on empowering local communities by teaching them how to safeguard indigenous wisdom while fostering a culture of innovation.
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The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Monuj Kr Doley, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Karbi Anglong. He underscored that Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are not just for corporate entities but are vital tools for farmers and local creators.
“Protecting our traditional knowledge is essential for sustainable development and community empowerment,” Dr Doley stated, emphasising that legal safeguards ensure the benefits of local innovations remain within the community.
Dr Robindra Teron, Assistant Professor at Assam University’s Diphu Campus, attended as the chief guest. He highlighted the immense biodiversity potential of the Karbi Anglong district and urged stakeholders to move beyond conservation and pursue formal legal protection for the region’s unique natural resources to prevent biopiracy and exploitation.
The technical sessions featured presentations by experts in the field. Dr Jayanta Chamuah, Senior Scientist at ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Nagaland, shared insights on the intersection of livestock heritage and scientific research. Subarna Kundu, a patent attorney from Kolkata, provided a practical roadmap on IPR mechanisms, detailing procedures for patent filing and strategies for documenting traditional practices.
The seminar witnessed the participation of 50 students from Assam University, Diphu, along with local farmers and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) functionaries from Nagaland.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, distribution of certificates to participants and a vote of thanks, marking a step towards securing the intellectual heritage of the Northeast.
