Four traditional products from Assam have received Geographical Indication (GI) certification from the Geographical Indications Registry of the Government of India, in a development officials described on Sunday, 14 June as a landmark step toward protecting the state's indigenous heritage and strengthening rural livelihoods. The newly tagged products span handloom, craft, and folk-music traditions that are deeply embedded in Assam's tribal and agrarian communities.

The Four Newly GI-Tagged Products

The certifications cover Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts, and Deuri Handloom Products. Together, they represent a cross-section of Assam's living cultural traditions — from the bamboo flute integral to Bihu celebrations to the distinctive weaves of the Karbi Anglong and Deuri communities.

The certification process was facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which has been working to advance GI registrations for unique products from the state. With these four additions, the total number of GI-certified products supported by NABARD in Assam has reached 12.

What NABARD Said

Loken Das, Chief General Manager of NABARD Assam, said the recognitions would reinforce the identity and authenticity of these products while expanding their reach in national and international markets.

'These certifications not only strengthen the identity and authenticity of these products but also enhance their market potential at national and international levels. With this achievement, the total number of GI-certified products supported by NABARD has reached 12, marking a significant milestone in promoting heritage-based rural livelihoods,' Das said.

Das also outlined the path ahead, saying NABARD envisions a comprehensive ecosystem-based strategy — moving beyond registration to building a robust value chain encompassing branding, marketing, capacity building, market linkages, and enterprise development.

'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.

Impact on Artisans and Rural Communities

GI certification provides legal protection against unauthorised imitation and misuse — a persistent challenge for handloom and craft producers whose designs are frequently replicated without attribution or compensation. Officials said the recognition is expected to help artisans and weavers secure better market access, premium pricing, and broader visibility for their work.

The development is anticipated to benefit thousands of rural artisans, craftsmen, and weavers across Assam by creating new economic pathways while preserving generational knowledge and traditional skills.

Assam's Expanding GI Portfolio

Assam's cultural economy has been steadily formalised through GI registrations in recent years. The state's handloom sector alone employs a substantial share of its rural workforce, and products like the Bihu Pepa carry both economic and deep cultural significance as symbols of Assamese identity. This is the latest in a series of GI additions that underscore efforts to leverage traditional knowledge as an engine of rural economic development.

Notably, the push aligns with a broader national trend of using GI frameworks to protect indigenous products — from Darjeeling tea to Mysuru silk — and channel premium market value back to origin communities. With NABARD's stated shift toward value-chain development, the real test will be whether artisans can access the markets these certifications unlock.