Ahmedabad: The inaugural Regional Geographical Indication (GI) Facilitation Centre for Gujarat has officially opened at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) campus in Ahmedabad. This Centre, which receives support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), was inaugurated today by Shri Shaji K. V., Chairman of NABARD and a member of the EDII Governing Board. The event was also attended by Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, along with senior officials from IDBI Bank Ltd, artisans, entrepreneurs, GI specialists, and honored guests.
The Centre is tasked with empowering artisans, producer groups, and entrepreneurs by facilitating Geographical Indication (GI) registrations and ensuring benefits post-tagging. It will function as a hub for knowledge and support regarding GI-related services, which include raising awareness, aiding applications, forming producer groups, providing legal assistance, and offering guidance after tagging. Additionally, it will deliver training, conduct research, and provide policy insights to enhance India’s traditional craft and agricultural ecosystem.
Geographical Indication (GI) serves as a symbol of authenticity and quality associated with a product’s origin, protecting cultural heritage and fostering economic development. Achieving GI recognition offers artisans various advantages, including increased income, enhanced reputation, and opportunities for market expansion.
At present, with the assistance of NABARD, twelve craft and agro products are progressing through the advanced stages of the Geographical Indication (GI) tagging process. These products include:
• Jasdan Patari Craft (Rajkot)
• Dahod Bead Work of Gujarat
• Khambhat Kite of Gujarat
• Saurashtra Dhabla and Shawl of Gujarat
• Deesa Dabu Block Print of Gujarat
• Kutchi Mud Mirror Craft
• Kodari (Dang)
• White Raagi (Dang)
• Varai (Dang)
• Gir Cow Ghee (Gir Region)
• Bamboo Mat Weaving of Dadra Nagar Haveli (UT)
• Sea Shell Craft of Diu and Daman (UT)
EDII has already procured GI tagging for Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print; Surat Sadeli Craft; Gujarat Soof Embroidery and Bharuch Sujani Weaving.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shaji K. V. said, “This Centre will act as a catalyst in transforming the lives of artisans and rural entrepreneurs by giving their traditional products the recognition they deserve. By ensuring that products are preserved well and gain national and international recognition, we can unlock newer markets and ensure premium value for artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs. We look forward to seeing sustainable business models, and carry forward India’s timeless traditions with dignity and pride.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, remarked, “The GI Facilitation Centre is a huge step forward towards preserving India’s heritage, age-old agro products and crafts. This will unlock multiple benefits for artisans and entrepreneurs, including their reach to global markets. With NABARD’s support, EDII will continue to handhold them through the journey of GI recognition, branding, and market outreach & linkages.”
The Centre activities will be monitored by EDII Professor, Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya. The inauguration was followed by an exhibition and interaction with artisans showcasing unique crafts and products, including Dahod Bead Work, Khambhat Kite, Saurashtra Dhabla and Shawl, Kutch Lippan (Mud Mirror Craft), Gir Cow Ghee, Kodari, White Ragi, Varai, Deesa Dabu Block Print, and Jasdan Patari Craft.