Assam's Cultural Heritage Receives Boost with New GI Tags
Significant Recognition for Assam's Artisan Products
A Bihu artiste plays the pepa, a traditional wind instrument that has recently been awarded a GI tag. (Photo:@GauhatiUniv/X)
Guwahati, June 14: The Geographical Indications Registry of India has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status to four prominent cultural and artisan products from Assam, a move that significantly contributes to the preservation of the state's indigenous heritage and supports rural livelihoods, as reported by officials on Sunday.
The products that received GI tags include Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts, and Deuri Handloom Products, showcasing the rich diversity of Assam's traditional craftsmanship and tribal heritage.
This certification process was facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Assam, which has been instrumental in promoting GI registration for unique local products.
According to Loken Das, Chief General Manager of NABARD, Assam, these certifications not only enhance the identity and authenticity of these products but also boost their market potential both nationally and internationally. With this latest achievement, NABARD has now supported a total of 12 GI-certified products, marking a significant step in promoting heritage-based rural livelihoods.
Das emphasized that this recognition will fortify the identity and authenticity of these traditional items while significantly increasing their market potential.
Assam's rich cultural heritage is evident in its handloom traditions, indigenous crafts, and folk art forms, many of which are deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric of rural communities, embodying generations of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship.
Officials noted that GI certification will offer legal protection against unauthorized imitation and misuse, enabling artisans and weavers to gain better market access, premium pricing, and greater recognition for their products.
This development is anticipated to create new economic opportunities for thousands of rural artisans, craftsmen, and weavers across the state while preserving traditional skills.
Looking ahead, Das mentioned that NABARD aims to implement a comprehensive ecosystem-based strategy to promote GI products, focusing on transforming them into sustainable and profitable livelihood opportunities.
NABARD plans to shift its focus from merely securing recognition to establishing a robust value chain that includes branding, marketing, capacity building, market linkages, and enterprise development.
Das concluded by stating, "The overarching vision is to convert GI-certified products into sustainable, scalable, and profitable livelihood opportunities while safeguarding Assam's cultural heritage and fostering inclusive rural development."
The recent recognitions further enhance Assam's expanding portfolio of GI products and highlight ongoing efforts to utilize traditional knowledge and cultural assets for rural economic advancement.