Dimapur: A total of 24 products from Nagaland have been identified for geographical indication (GI) registration.
This was stated at a stakeholder meeting on GI initiatives for traditional crafts and handloom products of Nagaland, held at the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation office in Dimapur on Thursday.
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, organised the meeting.
The initiative aimed to identify, document, and facilitate the filing of GI applications for traditional crafts and handloom products of Nagaland.
During the meeting, several potential GI products from different tribes of Nagaland were highlighted, including Pochury textile, Pochury shawl, Zeliang textile, Sumi shawl, Sumi textile, Ao textile, Tikhir jewellery, and Tikhir textile.
The applicant authorities for these products include Pochury Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organisation, Sumi Hoho, Ao Senden, and Tikhir Council.
Monmayuri Saikia, senior executive (business development) at NEHHDC, gave a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the concept of GI, its benefits, and the process of registration.
She said other tribal communities of Nagaland, such as Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung, are also in the process of identifying suitable traditional products for GI registration through their respective tribal organisations.
It was highlighted that GI tagging carries numerous benefits and is important not only from a commercial perspective but also for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
According to data presented during the meeting, the northeastern region currently has 89 registered GI products, with handicrafts forming the largest share at 48 products, followed by 28 agricultural products, eight manufactured products, and five food products.
The meeting focused on the need for tribal organisations, government agencies, and stakeholders to work together to protect traditional knowledge, promote indigenous products through GI registration, and strengthen market opportunities for artisans and weavers.