ITANAGAR : Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone in preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, indigenous crafts and unique agricultural products through Geographical Indication (GI) registration.
The State now has 20 registered GI products, reflecting the diversity and distinctiveness of its tribal communities and traditional practices.
The journey began in 2014-15 with the registration of Arunachal Orange and Idu Mishmi Textile, the State’s first two GI-tagged products. Recognising the potential of indigenous products, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) subsequently supported the registration of several traditional agricultural products, handloom items, handicrafts, foods and beverages from different tribes and regions of the State.
With NABARD’s support, 18 additional products secured GI registration from 2020-21 onwards. These include 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 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 helps protect traditional knowledge, prevent misuse of product names, enhance product credibility and create opportunities for better market access and premium pricing.
For a culturally rich and diverse State like Arunachal Pradesh, GI registration serves as an important 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.
NABARD’s support extends beyond the registration process. The institution is facilitating post-GI interventions such as registration of authorised users, capacity building of producers and artisans, branding, packaging, quality standardisation and market linkage initiatives.
The 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 major step towards preserving the state’s rich cultural legacy while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers, artisans, weavers and tribal communities.
