Jharkhand’s Bhagaiya Silk, Munda Jewellery and Bamboo Craft Receive GI Tag

Jharkhand’s four traditional products named Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery and Jharkhand bamboo craft received the prestigious GI-(Geographical Identification) tag. This recognition highlights the unique craftsmanship, traditional knowledge and cultural significance which associated with these products and opens the new avenues for the branding, exports and rural development. It is supported by the sustained efforts from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Four Traditional Jharkhand Products Receive GI Recognition

The Geographical Indication tag has been granted to the four iconic products of Jharkhand,

1. Bhagaiya Silk
2. Kuchai Silk
3. Munda Jewellery
4. Jharkhand Bamboo Craft

This recognition officially acknowledges the distinctive qualities, traditional production methods and regional identity associated with these products.

According to the NABARD, the achievement represents the years of coordinated efforts involving artisans, self-help groups, farmer producer organizations, government departments, technical institutions and local communities.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an intellectual property right that is granted to the products that possess unique qualities, reputation or characteristics linked to a specific geographical region.

The GI certification helps to the,

• Protect product authenticity
• Prevent misuse and imitation
• Improve market recognition
• Enhance commercial value
• Promote exports and tourism

For the traditional products, GI status serves as the both a cultural and economic safeguard.

Bhagaiya Silk and Kuchai Silk Gain National Recognition

The recognition of the Bhagaiya Silk and Kuchai Silk shines a spotlight on the Jharkhand’s rich sericulture heritage.

These silk varieties have been produced for the generations by using the traditional techniques and indigenous knowledge systems. This craftsmanship involved in silk production has been passed down via families and rural communities over decades.

The GI tag is expected to preserve traditional silk-making practices, will strengthen brand identity and also improve the market access.

The recognition could also encourage the greater investment in Jharkhand’s silk industry and also to create the additional employment opportunities.

Munda Jewellery Celebrates Tribal Heritage

The GI recognition awarded to the Munda Jewellery is the significant achievement for the Munda tribal community.

It is known for its distinctive motifs, intricate craftsmanship and cultural symbolism and Munda jewellery reflects the rich artistic traditions of one of Jharkhand’s prominent tribal groups.

The recognition aims to preserve the traditional tribal craftsmanship, protect indigenous designs and to promote the tribal cultural heritage.

The GI tag also helps to ensure that the economic benefits of the craft reach the communities that have preserved these traditions for the generations.

Jharkhand Bamboo Craft Receives a Major Boost

The inclusion of the Jharkhand Bamboo Craft in the GI registry acknowledges the exceptional skills of the rural artisans who transform the locally available bamboo into a variety of utility and decorative products.

Bamboo craftsmanship has long been the important source of income in many rural areas of the state.

As the demand for sustainable products grows globally, bamboo craft could emerge as the significant contributor to Jharkhand’s rural economy.

NABARD’s Role in Securing GI Status

NABARD played the crucial role in to facilitating the GI registration process.

The institution supported the,

• Identification of the unique product characteristics
• Producer group formation
• Value chain strengthening
• Documentation and research
• Stakeholder consultations
• Capacity building and handholding

Through the cluster development program, skill enhancement initiatives, market linkages, branding support and producer institution strengthening, NABARD has consistently promoted the traditional products and rural enterprises in Jharkhand.