Kesariya Kalakand, Kuchai Silk, Munda Silk among others get GI tag

Pioneer News Service
Ranchi

Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship have gained significant recognition at the national level. A total of 11 distinctive products from the state have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag; the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) played a pivotal role in securing this status for four of them. The 11 products awarded the GI tag include Koderma’s Kesariya Kalakand, Kuchai Silk, and Munda Silk, among others. Notably, Sohrai Khovar Painting had previously received the GI tag in 2021.

Four distinctive state products—Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery, and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft—have secured the GI tag through the sustained efforts and support of NABARD. This achievement will not only help preserve Jharkhand’s traditional art, craft, and knowledge systems but also significantly strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of artisans, weavers, and rural producers. A GI tag serves as proof of a product’s unique geographical identity and authenticity, establishing a distinct market presence and increasing the likelihood of fetching a better price.

According to NABARD Jharkhand, this success is the result of years of collaborative effort involving producer groups, self-help groups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), various government departments, technical institutions, and other stakeholders. NABARD played a crucial role in identifying product characteristics, documentation, organizing producers, strengthening the value chain, and navigating the entire GI registration process.

The awarding of GI tags to Bhagaiya Silk and Kuchai Silk has brought national and international recognition to Jharkhand’s rich silk heritage, marking a significant milestone. Rooted in local knowledge, traditional techniques, and skills passed down through generations, these products form an integral part of the state’s cultural identity. GI registration will safeguard their uniqueness, and there is a strong likelihood of increased demand in both national and international markets.

The awarding of the GI tag to Munda jewellery is a matter of pride for Jharkhand’s tribal culture. Renowned for its distinctive design, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural significance, this jewellery is considered a symbol of the Munda community’s identity. Experts believe that this recognition will open up new markets and better income opportunities for tribal artisans.

The GI tag awarded to Jharkhand’s bamboo craft has brought new recognition to the creativity and skills of the state’s rural artisans. Useful and attractive products crafted from locally available bamboo will now be able to reach wider markets. This will boost bamboo-based entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities, while also likely fostering growth in branding, exports, and tourism.

Deeplala Ghosh, Chief General Manager of NABARD Jharkhand, expressed happiness over several of the state’s products receiving the GI tag, stating that this recognition honors Jharkhand’s traditional knowledge systems, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. The GI tag not only provides recognition and commercial value to products but also inspires the new generation to connect with traditional crafts. She noted that NABARD is continuously working to provide market access for these products through exhibitions, rural markets (*haats*), buyer-seller meets, the Saras Mela, and other marketing platforms.

GI registration will strengthen the branding of these products, enhance export potential, and boost tourism. Experts believe this achievement will ensure that the economic benefits derived from these traditional products directly reach the communities that have preserved these arts and traditions for generations. This step will play a pivotal role in strengthening Jharkhand’s rural economy while also establishing the state’s cultural identity on the global stage.