GI-based livelihood promotion strategy in Assam by NABARD
Guwahati, June 15
In a major historical milestone for the preservation of indigenous craft and cultural identity, the Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India, has granted the prestigious Geographical Indication status to four iconic cultural and artisan products from Assam.
The four newly tagged indigenous treasures encompass a rich cross-section of Assam's tribal heritage, musicology, and natural resource craftsmanship - Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts, and Deuri Handloom Products.
The landmark achievement has been supported and facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Recognising the importance of preserving this heritage while ensuring economic sustainability for artisans, NABARD has been actively supporting the Geographical Indications (GI) certification process for several unique products of Assam.
Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Assam, said, "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."
Assam is endowed with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, reflected in its traditional crafts, handloom products, and indigenous art forms.
Many of these products are deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric of rural communities and represent generations of accumulated traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
The legal certification marks a triumphant moment for the state's traditional sectors, ensuring unparalleled intellectual property protection, market premiumization, and global visibility for thousands of rural weavers and craftsmen.
Regarding Post GI certification, NABARD Assam envisions a holistic ecosystem-based approach for the promotion of GI products, transitioning from mere recognition to market-led livelihood enhancement.
"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," Das said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see GI tags for Karbi Anglong and Deuri handlooms! These indigenous crafts are our cultural soul. But NABARD needs to ensure small weavers actually benefit, not just big traders. Having seen how GI works in other states, the real challenge is linking certification to fair wages and global markets. Hope Assam gets it right. 😊
As someone who works with rural development, I'm impressed by NABARD's holistic approach. Moving from just recognition to market-led promotion is smart. But will there be support for digital marketing and e-commerce access? Without that, even GI tags won't help rural artisans reach international buyers. Still, a step in the right direction.
Finally, our bamboo crafts and pepa get the attention they deserve! I grew up watching my grandmother weave, and these crafts are dying out. GI certification may bring young people back to traditional livelihoods. Just hope the government follows up with training and financial support for artisans in remote Karbi Anglong and Deuri areas. 🤞
Wonderful news for Assam's cultural heritage! Having visited the region, I've seen how skilled these artisans are. The GI tag will protect their intellectual property and give them pricing power. One concern: NABARD should create awareness among consumers too, so people understand why authentic GI products are worth paying more for.
As a businessman, I can see huge export potential for these products, especially bamboo crafts and handlooms. The EU and US markets are hungry for authentic, sustainable items. But NABARD must fix the supply chain - middlemen eat most profits. Direct producer-to-b
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