Nagaland has stepped up efforts to secure Geographical Indication tags for indigenous crafts and textiles to protect heritage and boost artisans’ livelihoods.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland has stepped up efforts to protect its rich indigenous crafts and handloom traditions, with stakeholders on Thursday firming up a roadmap to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for key tribal products of the state.
According to a DIPR update, a stakeholder meeting on GI initiatives was held at the conference hall of Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC) here, focusing on identifying, documenting and fast-tracking GI applications for traditional crafts and textiles unique to Nagaland.
The meeting brought together government officials, experts and representatives of tribal bodies.
Organised by NHHDC in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the initiative aims to ensure legal protection and rightful ownership of indigenous products while opening up better market opportunities for artisans and weavers.
Chairing the meeting, NHHDC Managing Director Y Lipongse Thongtsar stressed the importance of coordinated action to safeguard traditional knowledge and cultural identity through GI registration.
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Planning Advisor to the North Eastern Council Som Kamie and NEHHDC Managing Director Mara Kocho also addressed the gathering, underlining the economic and cultural value of GI tagging.
Senior Executive (DoBD) Monmayuri Saikai gave a detailed presentation on the concept of GI, its benefits and the registration process.
It was informed that 24 products from Nagaland have already been identified for GI registration—a step which is crucial not only for commercial branding but also for preserving the heritage of indigenous communities.
Highlighting the Centre’s focus on the Northeast, Saikai said that GI registration would help prevent misuse and unauthorised marketing of traditional products while ensuring that ownership remains with the respective communities.
Data shared at the meeting showed that the north-eastern region currently has 89 registered GI products, with handicrafts accounting for the largest share at 48, followed by agricultural, manufactured and food products.
Several potential GI products from Nagaland tribes were highlighted, including Pochury textiles and shawls, Zeliang textiles, Sumi and Ao textiles and shawls, and Tikhir jewellery and textiles.
Tribal apex bodies such as Pochury Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organisation, Sumi Hoho, Ao Senden and Tikhir Council have been identified as applicant authorities.
It also informed that other tribes—including Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam and Yimkhiung—are in the process of identifying suitable products for GI registration.
Awareness campaigns will be rolled out across the state to educate artisans and communities on GI benefits, while consultants have been engaged to assist tribal bodies with documentation and application procedures.
Once registered, GI-tagged products will receive legal protection, helping preserve Nagaland’s cultural legacy while boosting livelihoods of local artisans, it stated.