GUWAHATI: Three Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products from Arunachal Pradesh are making their debut at the 42nd India International Trade Fair (IITF) in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan.
Supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the Arunachal government, the three products are Khamti Rice, Yak Churpi, and Tangsa Textiles.
They have secured the prestigious GI tag with Dr Rajnikant, a national GI technical facilitator and expert, playing a pivotal role in their registration.
Dr Mihir Sarkar, Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), highlighted the significance of Khamti Rice and Yak Churpi as the first agriculture and food products, and Tangsa Textile as the second textile product from Arunachal Pradesh, to receive the coveted GI certification.
The assurance of authenticity and quality associated with the GI tag is expected to boost the marketability of these unique products.
Khamti Rice, a chewy sticky rice variety cultivated in the Namsai region by Khampti tribal farmers, holds cultural importance and is a key ingredient in various traditional delicacies.
Yak Churpi, a fermented cottage cheese-like product made from raw skimmed and fermented yak milk, is a unique creation that showcases the rich resources of Arunachal Pradesh.
Dr Sarkar highlighted the socio-economic upliftment potential of Yak Churpi, envisioning increased accessibility and marketability for yak pastoralists through the GI tag.
Additionally, Tangsa Textile, representing the traditional craft of the Tangsa tribe in Changlang district, is celebrated for its exotic designs and vibrant colours reflecting the cultural richness of the region.
The Himalayan Yak, a vital component of the region’s heritage, also received recognition with a food animal tag from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in November last year.
Arunachal Pradesh, with around 24,000 yaks, plays a significant role in the conservation and promotion of this majestic species.
