NABARD Secures GI Registration for 28 New Products, Boosting India’s Traditional Heritage and Rural Economy

Lucknow | July 10, 2026 : India’s traditional crafts and regional products have received a major boost as NABARD has successfully facilitated the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of 28 new products from across the country. The initiative strengthens the protection of India’s cultural heritage while creating new income opportunities for artisans, weavers, and rural entrepreneurs.

With the latest registrations, NABARD has now supported 176 GI-tagged products, out of 538 Geographical Indication products promoted through various partner organizations nationwide.

The achievement reflects NABARD’s long-term commitment to preserving traditional knowledge while strengthening rural enterprises and expanding market opportunities.

NABARD Secures GI Registration for 28 New Products Across India

The newly registered products represent India’s rich diversity of handicrafts, handloom textiles, bamboo crafts, stone work, metal crafts, pottery, paintings, and traditional musical instruments.

Some of the newly registered GI products include:

• Nalanda Bawanbuti Saree and Fabrics (Bihar)
• Gaya Pattharkatti Stone Craft (Bihar)
• Kuchai Silk Saree and Fabrics (Jharkhand)
• Ba Shilp (Bamboo Craft) (Assam)
• Bihu Pepa (Assam)
• Himachal Wood Carving Craft
• Khajuraho Metal Craft (Madhya Pradesh)

These products showcase the craftsmanship and cultural identity of different regions while gaining legal protection through Geographical Indication registration.

NABARD’s GI Registration Initiative Supports Rural Growth

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman of NABARD, said that Geographical Indication registration plays a vital role in protecting traditional knowledge, encouraging local entrepreneurship, and creating long-term value for rural producers.

He added that NABARD will continue strengthening GI-based value chains through:

Key Focus Areas

• Producer collectivisation
• Skill development
• Rural enterprise promotion
• Product branding
• Market linkages
• Export facilitation

According to him, these efforts will help India’s traditional products generate sustainable economic opportunities while preserving the country’s cultural identity.

More Than 13,000 Artisans Benefit from NABARD’s GI Programme

The NABARD GI registration initiative has already connected more than 13,000 artisans and producers with premium domestic markets.

As a result:

• More than 50,000 direct jobs have been created.
• Rural producers have gained better income opportunities.
• Traditional products have received stronger market recognition.
• Local enterprises have expanded through value-added branding.

These achievements highlight the growing importance of GI-based enterprises in India’s rural economy.

14 Rural Enterprise Producer Organisations Promote GI Products

NABARD has also supported 14 Rural Enterprise Producer Organisations (REPOs) that promote GI-certified products across several states, including:

States Covered

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Karnataka
• Gujarat

These organizations help artisans improve production quality, strengthen branding, and access larger markets.

GI Facilitation Centres Strengthen the Geographical Indication Ecosystem

To make the Geographical Indication registration process easier, NABARD has established dedicated GI Facilitation Centres at:

GI Facilitation Centres

• Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad
• Bihar Agricultural University, Bihar
• Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF), Tamil Nadu

These centres provide complete support for:

• GI registration
• Documentation
• Legal assistance
• Branding
• Post-registration promotion
• Commercialisation of GI products

The initiative ensures that artisan groups receive guidance throughout the registration journey.

NABARD Opens GI Store to Promote Certified Products

NABARD has also established a dedicated GI Store at Aihole, Karnataka, providing artisans with a platform to display and sell certified products.

In addition, the institution continues investing in:

Market Development Initiatives

• Brand promotion
• Product quality improvement
• Digital commerce
• Institutional strengthening
• Domestic market expansion
• Global market access

These initiatives help traditional products command premium prices while supporting sustainable rural livelihoods.

NABARD Continues to Preserve India’s Traditional Heritage

The latest NABARD GI registration milestone demonstrates how cultural preservation and rural development can progress together. By expanding the Geographical Indication registration ecosystem, NABARD is helping artisans protect their unique heritage, improve incomes, and reach national and international markets.

As India continues promoting its indigenous crafts and regional specialties, NABARD’s efforts are expected to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and preserve centuries-old traditions for future generations.

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