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

In a major boost to India’s traditional crafts, rural entrepreneurship and cultural heritage, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has facilitated the Geographical Indication (GI) registration of 28 new products from across the country. With this achievement, the total number of GI products supported by NABARD that have successfully secured GI registration has reached 176.

The newly registered products represent India’s rich diversity of traditional handicrafts, handloom textiles, bamboo crafts, metalwork, pottery, paintings and musical instruments. These registrations provide legal protection to indigenous products while enhancing their market value and export potential.

Among the latest GI-registered products are Nalanda Bawanbuti Saree and Fabrics and Gaya Pattharkatti Stone Craft from Bihar, Kuchai Silk Saree and Fabrics from Jharkhand, Ba Shilp (Bamboo Craft) and Bihu Pepa from Assam, Himachal Wood Carving Craft, and Khajuraho Metal Craft from Madhya Pradesh, along with several other traditional products from different parts of India.

Overall, NABARD has supported various channel partners in promoting 538 GI products across the country, of which 176 have already been awarded GI tags by the Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India.

Speaking on the milestone, Dr. Shaji Krishnan V., Chairman, NABARD, said, “Geographical Indication registration is a powerful instrument for protecting traditional knowledge, promoting local entrepreneurship, and creating value for rural producers. NABARD remains committed to strengthening GI-based value chains through producer collectivisation, skill development, enterprise promotion, branding, market linkages, and export facilitation, ensuring that India’s unique heritage translates into lasting economic opportunities.”

NABARD’s GI-led initiatives have already connected more than 13,000 artisans and producers with higher-value domestic markets, significantly strengthening rural livelihoods and improving the commercial prospects of traditional products. These interventions have also generated over 50,000 direct employment opportunities through GI-based enterprises and value chains.

The institution is also promoting collective enterprise models through 14 Rural Enterprise Producer Organisations (REPOs) engaged in the production and marketing of GI products across Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka and Gujarat.

To further strengthen the country’s GI ecosystem, NABARD has facilitated the establishment of GI Facilitation Centres at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad; Bihar Agricultural University; and the Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF), Tamil Nadu. These centres provide comprehensive support for GI registration as well as post-registration activities, enabling artisans and producer groups to protect, promote and commercialise their unique products.

NABARD has also supported the establishment of a dedicated GI Store at Aihole, Karnataka, creating a specialised platform to showcase and market GI-certified products.

Through sustained investments in branding, quality enhancement, digital commerce, institutional strengthening and market linkages, NABARD is enabling India’s traditional products to command premium prices while expanding access to both domestic and international markets. These initiatives continue to play a significant role in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage while fostering sustainable rural livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.