Guwahati, Jan 16 (NationPress) The GI Mahotsav, a venture spearheaded by the Union government’s Ministry of MSME, is establishing itself as a significant avenue to highlight India’s diverse cultural heritage through Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products while creating new market avenues for artisans, farmers, and small-scale producers, according to organizers on Friday.

Held in Guwahati by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this four-day exhibition unites GI product holders from all over the nation, with an emphasis on the northeastern zone.

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

Officials noted that the Northeast alone boasts nearly 40 GI-recognized products, predominantly sourced from rural and small-town communities.

The Mahotsav offers these creators a platform for national and international marketing, enhancing their visibility beyond local markets. Multiple exhibitors are showcasing value-added GI products, including organic Assam Orthodox teas infused with natural herbs and spices. These innovations underscore a blend of traditional craftsmanship, health benefits, and contemporary consumer preferences, garnering strong interest from both buyers and visitors.

During the event, Kanchan Joshi, Director of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, remarked that this initiative embodies the Union government’s vision of providing GI products with the recognition they merit. 'Each state possesses unique GI products deeply rooted in culture and heritage. Our goal is to create a platform where these products receive attention not just within India but globally,' she stated.

Advisor to the PHD Chamber and former NSIC Chairman H. P. Kumar emphasized that the Mahotsav seeks to increase awareness of GI products, especially those from the Northeast. He highlighted that the Centre has recognized at least 39 GI products from this region and stressed the importance of popularizing them throughout the country.

Kumar also pointed out the significance of GI products in fortifying the rural economy. He noted that GI-tagged items have the potential to foster numerous first-generation entrepreneurs, allowing individuals to establish enterprises from their homes using GI user certificates and create sustainable livelihoods.

Through the GI Mahotsav, producers are being linked with MSME initiatives, market connections, and awareness of intellectual property rights, reinforcing GI products as catalysts for inclusive growth and heritage-led development.