Four traditional products from Assam have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Government of India, providing a major fillip to the state’s indigenous crafts, handloom traditions and cultural heritage.
The newly recognised products are Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts and Deuri Handloom Products. The recognition is expected to provide legal protection to these products while enhancing their visibility and market potential both within the country and internationally.
The latest additions reflect the diversity of Assam’s traditional knowledge systems, encompassing tribal weaving traditions, bamboo craftsmanship and the iconic musical instrument closely associated with the state’s Bihu festivities.
The process of securing GI registration was supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which has been assisting communities in obtaining recognition for region-specific products.
NABARD Assam Chief General Manager Loken Das said the GI certifications would help preserve the authenticity and identity of traditional products while opening up new economic opportunities for artisans and weavers.
“These certifications not only strengthen the identity and authenticity of these products but also enhance their market potential at national and international levels,” Das said.
With the latest approvals, the number of GI-certified products in Assam supported by NABARD has risen to 12. Geographical Indication tags are awarded to products whose qualities, characteristics or reputation are linked to a particular geographical area. The recognition helps protect traditional knowledge, prevents misuse of product names and improves market access for local producers.
The development is expected to benefit thousands of artisans, weavers and craftsmen engaged in traditional handloom and bamboo-based livelihoods across the state.
Das said NABARD’s efforts are now focused not only on obtaining GI recognition but also on creating sustainable market opportunities for the certified products. “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,” he added.
The latest recognition further expands Assam’s portfolio of GI-tagged products and underscores growing efforts to protect and promote the state’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage.
