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150 Northeast Products to Get GI Tags, Boosting Local Economy & Exports

The Indian government has identified 150 unique products from the northeast for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging within two years to preserve their identity and boost market value. A new North East Science and Technology (NEST) cluster at IIT Guwahati, funded with Rs 22.98 crore, will drive innovation in semiconductors, AI, and bamboo technology. Key initiatives include a sixfold increase in India's agarwood export quota and projects to integrate over 4,000 bamboo artisans into formal markets. This push is part of a broader economic strategy, underscored by the Rising North East Investors Summit which generated investment interest worth Rs 4.48 lakh crore.

Key Points: 150 NE Products for GI Tagging, Rs 4.48L Cr Investment Interest

  • 150 products for GI tagging
  • Rs 4.48 lakh crore investment interest
  • NEST tech cluster at IIT Guwahati
  • Agarwood export quota raised sixfold
  • 4,000+ bamboo artisans integrated
2 min read

150 products from northeast identified for GI tagging in 2 years

Govt identifies 150 NE products for GI tags in 2 years, launches tech cluster, boosts agarwood exports, and attracts Rs 4.48 lakh crore investment interest.

"The northeast is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India's journey towards realising its goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. - MDoNER"

New Delhi, Dec 29

At least 150 distinctive products from northeast have been identified for the Geographical Indication tagging in the next two years, the government said on Monday.

The Ministry of Development of North-East Region (MDoNER) is spearheading GI tagging of unique, local products of Agri-Horti, Handloom, and Handicraft sector from the northeastern region to promote and preserve the unique identity of these products.

Moreover, the Ministry has sanctioned establishment of the North East Science and Technology Cluster at IIT Guwahati at a cost of Rs 22.98 crore to promote Research, Innovation and Skill Development in northeast.

The NEST cluster will support an Innovation Hub on Grassroots, a Technology Hub for Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence, a Centre for Excellence for Innovation in Bamboo based technology and other Biodegradable, eco-friendly Plastics and augment entrepreneurial promotion, skill development and Innovation Centre in the region.

Northeast accounts for nearly 96 per cent of the country's agarwood production. India's annual export quota for agarwood has been raised sixfold. An integrated proposal for developing agarwood clusters in Golaghat in Assam and Kadamtala in Tripura is under active consideration of the Ministry.

The Ministry is now working for strengthening Traditional Bamboo Artisan Clusters to provide expanded market access, digital linkages, sustainable artisan livelihoods by taking up projects to integrate 4,000+ artisans into formal markets and upgrade 15 Common Facility Centres (CFCs).

This Ministry has supported setting up of procurement units in Karbi Anglong (Assam) and Mokokchung (Nagaland) for creating value-added bamboo engineered products.

The northeast is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India's journey towards realising its goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

The Rising North East Investors Summit was held in May in New Delhi with participation of big corporate houses, foreign investors and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The event has brought about an Investment interest from various private investors and PSUs to the tune of Rs 4.48 lakh crore.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good initiative, but the real test is in the implementation. We've seen schemes before. The focus on integrating 4000+ artisans into formal markets is key. They need direct market access, not just middlemen benefiting. The bamboo and agarwood clusters can be game-changers for local employment.
A
Aman W
The investment interest of nearly 4.5 lakh crore is staggering! If even half of that materializes with proper care for the environment and local communities, the Northeast can become an economic powerhouse. The focus on AI and semiconductors at IIT Guwahati is a forward-thinking move.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves handicrafts, I'm excited. GI tags will help buyers like me identify authentic products. I hope they also create a strong online platform for these artisans to sell nationwide. The bamboo technology centre sounds innovative and sustainable.
K
Karthik V
While the plans sound great on paper, I have a respectful criticism. The article mentions "big corporate houses" and foreign investors. Development must be inclusive and not lead to exploitation of local resources or displacement. The benefits must first and foremost reach the people of the eight states.
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Nisha Z
Preserving traditional knowledge through GI is so important. My grandmother used to talk about the unique weaving patterns from Assam. This, combined with skill development, can stop the youth migration to cities for jobs. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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