GI tag to income: NABARD bets on Assam's heritage economy

Guwahati, June 14: Assam’s traditional crafts and indigenous products are set to become more than symbols of cultural pride.

With four iconic products — Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bihu Pepa, Assam Bamboo Crafts and Deuri Handloom Products — receiving Geographical Indication (GI) status, NABARD is now looking beyond recognition and focusing on a bigger goal: turning heritage into sustainable livelihoods.

The latest GI certifications, granted by the Geographical Indications Registry of India, take the number of GI-supported products backed by NABARD Assam to 12. However, officials say the objective is not merely to secure legal recognition but to create long-term economic opportunities for artisans, weavers and rural communities.

“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,” said Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam.

The four newly recognised products represent a rich blend of Assam’s tribal traditions, handloom heritage, folk culture and natural-resource craftsmanship. For thousands of artisans across rural Assam, GI recognition offers stronger intellectual property protection, better branding opportunities and access to premium markets.

NABARD believes the next challenge lies in ensuring that recognition translates into income.

The institution is pursuing a post-GI strategy focused on market access, value addition, branding and enterprise development, with the aim of transforming traditional products into viable economic assets for rural communities.

“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,” Das said.

As Assam expands its portfolio of GI-certified products, the focus is increasingly shifting from preserving heritage alone to building a heritage-based rural economy — one where traditional knowledge and craftsmanship generate livelihoods for future generations.

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