Nagaland is taking a major step to safeguard its indigenous crafts and handloom heritage, with 24 tribal products identified for Geographical Indication (GI) registration.
A stakeholder meeting on GI initiatives was held today at the Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC), Dimapur, organized by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
The meeting was chaired by Y Lipongse Thongtsar, Managing Director, NHHDC, with key addresses from Som Kamie, Planning Advisor, North Eastern Council (NEC), and Mara Kocho, Managing Director, NEHHDC, Guwahati.
Monmayuri Saikai, Senior Executive (DoBD), NEHHDC, explained that GI registration helps safeguard traditional knowledge, ensures legal protection, prevents misuse, and enhances the market value of indigenous goods. “GI tagging is crucial not only for commerce but also for preserving Nagaland’s cultural heritage,” she said.
Among the products highlighted for GI registration are Pochury Shawl, Zeliang Textile, Sumi Shawl, Ao Textile, and Tikhir Jewellery, with tribal apex bodies such as Pochury Hoho, Zeliang People’s Organization, Sumi Hoho, Ao Senden, and Tikhir Council acting as applicant authorities. Other tribal communities – including Angami, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, and Yimkhiung – are also identifying products for GI registration.
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.
Awareness campaigns will be conducted to educate artisans about the registration process, and consultants have been engaged to assist in filing applications.
The meeting underscored the importance of collective efforts by tribal organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders to promote indigenous products while improving market opportunities for weavers and artisans across Nagaland.
Representatives from the Planning Department, Industries and Commerce Department, NEC, NEHHDC, NHHDC, and various tribal bodies attended the program.
