Efforts are under way to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for 33 unique products from the Northeast, following the signing of an agreement in Guwahati, an official statement said on Thursday.
The pact was signed between the Textiles Committee under the Ministry of Textiles and the North Eastern Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NEHHDC) to facilitate GI registration and allied support for regional products.
Of the 33 products identified for GI tagging, 18 are from Nagaland and 15 from Meghalaya, the statement said, though details of the individual items were not immediately disclosed.
The agreement was inked during a conclave of northeastern states in the textile sector held at Sonapur, on the outskirts of Guwahati.
Also read: Assam Don Bosco University to launch Northeast’s first satellite
Beyond GI registration, the collaboration will focus on capacity building, branding and market linkages to ensure sustainable growth and wider recognition of Northeastern crafts, the statement said.
The two organisations will also work in coordination with the Centre and state governments to strengthen the textiles, handloom, handicrafts, khadi and allied sectors across the region.
The initiative is expected to empower artisans and weavers by protecting traditional knowledge and craftsmanship, while enhancing the global visibility of Northeastern textiles and handicrafts and creating new economic opportunities through branding and market expansion.
A GI tag is a name or sign used to identify a product as originating from a specific geographical area, with qualities, reputation or characteristics essentially attributable to its place of origin.
Follow us
