Guwahati, Jan 16 (NationPress) The GI Mahotsav, an initiative by the Union government’s Ministry of MSME, is becoming a vital platform for celebrating India’s abundant cultural heritage through products that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This event is crucial for opening up new market avenues for artisans, farmers, and small-scale producers, as stated by organizers on Friday.

Hosted in Guwahati by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this four-day exhibition gathers GI product holders from all over the nation, focusing particularly on the northeastern region.

The event features a diverse array of GI-tagged food items, handicrafts, and textiles that embody the distinctive cultural identities of various states.

Officials remarked that the Northeast region alone boasts nearly 40 recognized GI products, predominantly originating from rural and small-town areas.

The Mahotsav offers these producers a platform for national and international marketing, enhancing their visibility beyond local markets. Numerous exhibitors are showcasing value-added GI products, such as organic Assam Orthodox teas infused with natural herbs and spices. These innovations blend traditional craftsmanship with health benefits and modern consumer preferences, garnering significant interest from attendees.

During the event, Kanchan Joshi, Director of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that this initiative mirrors the Union government's vision to give GI products the acknowledgment they deserve. “Each state possesses its unique GI products that are deeply rooted in culture and heritage. Our goal is to provide them with the right platform to gain market attention both domestically and internationally,” she remarked.

Advisor to the PHD Chamber and former NSIC Chairman H. P. Kumar stated that the Mahotsav seeks to raise awareness about GI products, especially those from the Northeast. He highlighted that the Centre has recognized at least 39 GI products from the region and stressed the importance of promoting them across the country.

Kumar also pointed out that GI products play a significant role in bolstering the rural economy. He mentioned that GI-tagged items have the potential to create numerous first-generation entrepreneurs, enabling individuals to establish home-based enterprises utilizing GI user certificates and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

The GI Mahotsav also connects producers with MSME schemes, market linkages, and intellectual property rights awareness, reinforcing GI products as catalysts for inclusive growth and heritage-led development.