In a significant boost to the preservation of indigenous crafts and cultural heritage, the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry of the Government of India has granted GI status to four traditional products from Assam.
The newly recognised products are Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts and Deuri Handloom Products, reflecting the state’s rich tribal heritage, traditional craftsmanship and cultural traditions.
The certification process was supported and facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which has been actively promoting GI registration for several unique products from Assam.
Highlighting the significance of the recognition, Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam Regional Office, said the certifications would strengthen the identity and authenticity of the products while expanding their market opportunities.
“These certifications not only strengthen the identity and authenticity of these products but also enhance their market potential at national and international levels. With this achievement, the total number of GI-certified products supported by NABARD has reached 12, marking a significant milestone in promoting heritage-based rural livelihoods,” Das said.
Assam is known for its rich cultural heritage, reflected in its traditional handloom products, handicrafts and indigenous art forms. Many of these products are closely linked to the socio-economic fabric of rural communities and embody generations of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
The GI certification is expected to provide legal protection, enhance market recognition and improve commercial prospects for artisans and weavers associated with these traditional products.
Following the certification, NABARD has outlined a strategy focused on developing a holistic ecosystem for the promotion of GI products, with an emphasis on market-driven livelihood generation and sustainable rural development.
Das said the institution aims to move beyond certification and create long-term economic opportunities for rural producers.
“The overarching vision is to transform GI-certified products into sustainable, scalable, and remunerative livelihood opportunities while preserving Assam’s cultural heritage and promoting inclusive rural development,” he said.
The latest recognition takes the number of GI-certified products supported by NABARD in Assam to 12, further strengthening efforts to promote heritage-based enterprises and rural livelihoods in the state.
(With ANI inputs)
