Nagaland Identifies 24 Products for Geographical Indication Registration

In a significant move, Nagaland has identified 24 traditional products for geographical indication (GI) registration. This initiative aims to document and facilitate the registration of these crafts, enhancing their market potential while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state's indigenous communities. The meeting highlighted various products from different tribes and emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to protect traditional knowledge. With 89 registered GI products in the North Eastern region, this effort is set to strengthen the market opportunities for local artisans and weavers.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 12:52 IST

Geographical Indication Registration for Nagaland's Traditional Products

Dimapur, March 6: A total of 24 traditional products from Nagaland have been earmarked for geographical indication (GI) registration.

This announcement was made during a stakeholders' meeting focused on GI initiatives for Nagaland's traditional crafts and handloom products, which took place at the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation office on Thursday.

The meeting was organized by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) in partnership with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.

The primary goal of this initiative is to identify, document, and assist in the filing of GI applications for Nagaland's traditional crafts and handloom products.

During the session, various potential GI products from different tribes in Nagaland were discussed, including Pochury textiles, Pochury shawls, Zeliang textiles, Sumi shawls, Sumi textiles, Ao textiles, Tikhir jewelry, and Tikhir textiles.

Organizations such as the Pochury Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organisation, Sumi Hoho, Ao Senden, and Tikhir Council are among the applicants for these products.

Monmayuri Saikia, a senior executive in business development at NEHHDC, delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining the GI concept, its advantages, and the registration process.

She noted that other tribal communities in Nagaland, including Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung, are also working to identify suitable traditional products for GI registration through their respective organizations.

The meeting underscored that GI tagging offers numerous benefits, playing a crucial role not only in commercial aspects but also in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities.

Data shared during the meeting revealed that the North Eastern region currently boasts 89 registered GI products, with handicrafts making up the largest segment at 48 products, followed by 28 agricultural items, eight manufactured goods, and five food products.

The importance of collaborative efforts among tribal organizations, government bodies, and stakeholders was emphasized to safeguard traditional knowledge and enhance market opportunities for artisans and weavers in the state through GI registration.