Assam gets four new GI tags, boosting recognition of indigenous heritage products
Guwahati, June 15
Assam has added four more treasures to its growing list of Geographical Indication-tagged products, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailing the development as a proud moment for the state and a significant step towards preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage.
In a post on X on Monday, the Chief Minister announced that four iconic products from Assam -- Bihu Pepa, Karbi Anglong Handloom, Bah Silpa (Assamese Bamboo Craft), and Deori Handloom Products -- have officially received GI certification.
The recognition grants legal protection to these traditional products and acknowledges their unique link to Assam's cultural identity, craftsmanship and geographical origin.
Calling it "another shot in the arm" for efforts to conserve the state's heritage, CM Sarma said the GI tags would help safeguard the authenticity of these products while creating greater economic opportunities for artisans and traditional producers.
The Chief Minister noted that the recognition comes at a time when Assam's heritage products are increasingly gaining visibility in national and international markets.
According to him, the certification will ensure that genuine producers receive fair value for their products and that only authentic items are marketed under their respective names.
GI tags are intellectual property rights granted to products that possess qualities, reputation or characteristics essentially attributable to their geographical origin. Such recognition helps prevent misuse of traditional product names and strengthens market confidence in their authenticity.
The newly recognised products represent diverse facets of Assam's cultural landscape.
Bihu Pepa, a traditional wind instrument crafted from buffalo horn, is an inseparable part of the state's celebrated Bihu festivities.
Karbi Anglong Handloom reflects the weaving traditions of the Karbi community, while Deori Handloom Products showcase the distinctive textile heritage of the Deori tribe.
Bah Silpa, or Assamese bamboo craft, highlights the centuries-old skill of bamboo artisans whose creations remain integral to daily life and cultural practices across the state.
The achievement is also expected to provide a boost to rural livelihoods by enhancing branding, market access and export potential.
Agencies such as the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development have been actively supporting efforts to secure GI recognition for Assam's traditional products.
With the addition of these four products, Assam continues to strengthen its position as a repository of unique cultural and artisanal heritage, while opening new avenues for economic growth rooted in tradition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move by the government, finally acknowledging the value of traditional crafts. I just hope the benefits actually reach the local weavers and bamboo artisans, not just middlemen. Execution is key here, as we've seen with other schemes.
So proud as an Assamese! We have such rich heritage, and these GI tags will help our products stand out globally. The Karbi handloom and Deori textiles deserve this recognition. Hope this also encourages younger generations to learn these traditional skills. 🪷
Geographical Indication tags make so much sense for these products. It's not just about legal protection—it's about preserving centuries of cultural knowledge. I've seen how GI tags helped the Darjeeling tea industry, and consistent branding similar could do wonders for Assam's crafts too.
Ek number! finally our traditional products getting their due. But I hope the certification process is smooth for the actual artisans—many rural craftsmen don't even know how to apply. The government should set up help desks in villages to guide them through the process.
This is a step in the right direction. The Bihu Pepa and bamboo craft are part of our everyday life in Assam—seeing them get global recognition feels amazing. Now we need more awareness campaigns so people worldwide know these products are authentic. ✨
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