ITANAGAR, Jun 14: Driven by its 20 GI-tagged products, Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a remarkable milestone in preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, indigenous crafts, and unique agricultural harvests.
Starting with Arunachal Orange and Idu Mishmi Textile, the State’s first two GI products during 2014-15, NABARD extended support for GI registration of several traditional agricultural products, handloom items, handicrafts, foods, and beverages from different tribes and regions of the State, post recognizing the immense potential of Arunachal’s indigenous products.
With NABARD's support, 18 additional products secured GI registration during the period from 2020-21, including Khamti Rice, Yak Churpi, Tangsa Textile, Handmade Carpet, Wangcho Wooden Craft, Adi Kekir (Ginger), Apatani Textile, Monpa Textile, Nyishi Textile, Monpa Handmade Paper, Adi Textile, Singpho Tea, Galo Textile, Adi Apong, Dao (Traditional Sword), Angnyat Millet, Marua Apo, and Tai Khamti Textile.
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an intellectual property right that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical region and possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics unique to that area. GI registration protects traditional knowledge, prevents misuse of product names, enhances product credibility, and creates opportunities for better market access and premium pricing for producers and artisans.
For a culturally rich and diverse State like Arunachal Pradesh, GI registration serves as an effective tool for safeguarding tribal heritage, preserving traditional skills, and promoting indigenous products in national and international markets. It also contributes to livelihood enhancement, entrepreneurship development, tourism promotion, and sustainable rural development.
While facilitating the registration process, NABARD’s focus extends beyond securing GI status. The institution is now supporting post-GI interventions, including registration of Authorised Users, capacity building of producers and artisans, branding, packaging, quality standardization, and market linkage initiatives. The ultimate objective is to ensure that GI recognition translates into enhanced market opportunities, higher incomes, and sustainable livelihood benefits for local communities.
Several other unique products from different districts of Arunachal Pradesh are currently in the pipeline for GI registration. The achievement of 20 GI registrations marks a significant step towards preserving the State’s rich cultural legacy while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for its farmers, artisans, weavers, and tribal communities.