Kohima, March 5 (NationPress) The Northeastern region of India, made up of eight states, boasts 89 officially recognized Geographical Indication (GI) products. Handicrafts dominate the list with 48 entries, trailed by 28 agricultural products, eight manufactured items, and five food items, as reported by officials on Thursday.

A stakeholder conference focused on GI initiatives for traditional crafts and handloom products from Nagaland took place on Thursday at the Conference Hall of the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation in Dimapur.

During the conference, Monmayuri Saikai, Senior Executive at the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), presented a PowerPoint outlining the Geographical Indication concept, its advantages, and the registration procedure.

Data shared by Saikai indicated that the Northeastern region currently holds 89 registered GI products, with handicrafts representing the largest portion at 48 products, followed by 28 agricultural items, eight manufactured goods, and five food items.

She announced that 24 products from Nagaland have been earmarked for GI registration. The significance of GI tagging was stressed, not only for economic benefits but also for preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of local communities.

The presentation emphasized that the Government of India is committed to safeguarding the Northeast's heritage, as many traditional crafts and products are invaluable cultural assets.

Obtaining GI registration will protect these cultural identities and ensure that ownership remains with the respective communities. Saikai elaborated that a Geographical Indication (GI) refers to products linked to a specific geographical area, possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics associated with that location.

GI tagging aids in protecting traditional knowledge, promoting genuine products, and increasing the economic value of indigenous offerings, according to the official.

She also detailed the GI registration process, which involves application submission, preliminary review and examination, publication in the GI Journal, registration, and entry into the GI register, with provisions for objections and verification before final approval.

This meeting was convened by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).

The objective was to identify, document, and streamline the filing of GI applications for Nagaland's traditional crafts and handloom products.

The session was led by Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, Managing Director of the Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC). Also present were Som Kamie, Planning Advisor from the North Eastern Council (NEC), and Mara Kocho, Managing Director of NEHHDC's Head Office in Guwahati.

Several potential GI products from various tribes in Nagaland were showcased during the meeting, including Pochury Textile, Pochury Shawl, Zeliang Textile, Sumi Shawl, Sumi Textile, Ao Textile, Tikhir Jewellery, and Tikhir Textile.

The responsible applicant bodies for these products include Pochury Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organization, Sumi Hoho, Ao Senden, and the Tikhir Council.

Officials also conveyed that other tribal groups such as Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung are in the process of identifying suitable traditional products for GI registration through their respective tribal organizations.

Awareness campaigns are set to be launched throughout the state to educate communities and artisans on the importance and benefits of GI registration.

Officials emphasized that GI tagging is applicable not only to textiles and handicrafts but also to traditional jewelry and other indigenous products.

The meeting highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts among tribal organizations, government bodies, and stakeholders to protect traditional knowledge and promote indigenous products via GI registration, thereby enhancing market opportunities for artisans and weavers in the state.