Nagaland: Stakeholder meeting on Geographical Indication initiatives held in Dimapur

A stakeholder meeting on Geographical Indication (GI) initiatives for traditional crafts and handloom products of Nagaland was held on March 5 at the Conference Hall of the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation, Dimapur.
According to DIPR report, the meeting was organized by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), a government of India enterprise, in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The initiative aimed to identify, document and facilitate the filing of GI applications for traditional crafts and handloom products of Nagaland.
The meeting was chaired by Y. Lipongse Thongtsar, managing director, Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NHHDC), while Som Kamie, Planning Advisor, North Eastern Council (NEC), and Mara Kocho, managing director, NEHHDC Head Office, Guwahati, also spoke during the meeting.
During the programme, Monmayuri Saikai, senior executive (DoBD), North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited, delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the concept of Geographical Indication (GI), its benefits and the process of registration.
Officials informed that a total of 24 products from Nagaland have been identified for Geographical Indication (GI) registration. It was highlighted that GI tagging carries numerous benefits and is important not only from a commercial perspective but also for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of indigenous communities.
During the presentation, it was stated that the Government of India is serious about protecting the heritage of the North East, as many traditional crafts and products represent valuable cultural assets. It was also observed that GI registration will help safeguard these cultural identities and ensure that the ownership of such products remains with the respective communities.
Saikai explained that a Geographical Indication (GI) refers to products originating from a specific geographical location that possess qualities, reputation or characteristics linked to that area. GI tagging helps protect traditional knowledge, promote authentic products and enhance the economic value of indigenous goods.
According to data presented during the meeting, the North Eastern Region currently has 89 registered GI products, with handicrafts forming the largest share with 48 products, followed by 28 agricultural products, 8 manufactured products and 5 food products.
She also elaborated on the GI registration process, which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, publication in the GI journal, registration and entry into the GI register, along with provisions for objections and verification before final approval.
During the meeting, several potential GI products from different tribes of Nagaland were highlighted, including Pochury textile of Nagaland, Pochury shawl of Nagaland, Zeliang textile of Nagaland, Sumi shawl of Nagaland, Sumi textile of Nagaland, Ao textile of Nagaland, Tikhir jewellery of Nagaland and Tikhir textile of Nagaland. The responsible applicant authorities for these products include Pochury Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organization, Sumi Hoho, Ao Senden and Tikhir Council.
She further informed that other tribal communities such as Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam and Yimkhiung are also in the process of identifying suitable traditional products for GI registration through their respective tribal organizations.
It was informed that awareness campaigns will be conducted across the state to educate communities and artisans about the importance and benefits of GI registration. It was highlighted that GI tagging can be applied not only to textiles and handicrafts but also to traditional jewellery and other indigenous products.
The gathering was also informed that consultants have been engaged to assist in the GI registration process and they will be contacting the respective tribal apex bodies to facilitate documentation and application procedures. Officials added that once a product receives GI tagging, it will receive legal protection and prevent misuse or unauthorized marketing of the product.
Representatives and officials from various departments and organizations including the planning department, Government of Nagaland; industries and commerce department, Government of Nagaland; North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong; North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation, Guwahati; and the Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation and representatives from various tribal bodies attended the meeting.
The meeting emphasized the importance of collective efforts by tribal organizations, government agencies and stakeholders to protect traditional knowledge and promote indigenous products through GI registration, while also strengthening collaboration to improve market opportunities for artisans and weavers of the state.