Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government has applied for Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for 10 indigenous agricultural products, including Bagra pineapple, Pasighat jaggery and Baali rice, a senior official said on Sunday.
Idu Yamba (finger millet), Angpu (pumpkin), Mipun rice, Libi Balangbu (white rajma), Bebo (large cardamom), cinnamon, and Andoye (kidney bean) are also part of the latest list submitted for GI protection.
“This is the first time such a large number of products have been filed together for GI status,” said Egam Basar, Director of the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI).
The process is being supported by Padma Shri awardee and GI expert Dr. Rajnikant, who is also the general secretary of the Human Welfare Association.
Basar said another 10 products are ready for filing within a week.
“We are hopeful of getting all 20 products registered soon. The government is committed to securing GI tags to safeguard Arunachal’s heritage crops,” he said.
During the GI Mahotsav 2025, the state set a target of 50 GI registrations by 2029. “With 20 already registered, 34 filed, and 10 more in the pipeline, we expect to surpass the target,” Basar added.
Arunachal Pradesh’s existing GI-certified agri-horticulture products include Wakro Orange, Adi Kekir (ginger), Khaw Tai (Khamti rice), Yak Churpi, Singpho Phalap (tea), and Angnyat millet. The state also holds GI titles for select textiles, handicrafts, beverages and other traditional items.
“Our farmers and indigenous communities, who have preserved these traditional products for generations, will be the real beneficiaries of this initiative,” Basar said.
