ARUNACHAL PRADESH BAGS 12 GI TAGS

Arunachal’s cultural traditions and centuries-old socio-economic pursuits have been given fresh impetus with the recognition of 12 indigenous products of the state with the Geographical Indication (GI).

This has been largely driven by the dedicated efforts of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) which in partnership with the state government, continues to support the local people in keeping this vital heritage alive

As expressed in the news release sent out by NABARD’s Itanagar regional office: “NABARD remains dedicated to fostering the growth and recognition of indigenous products, contributing to the socio-economic development of Arunachal Pradesh.” Over the past two years, NABARD has actively supported the GI registration process and enabled 12 indigenous products to snag this prestigious acclaim.

These products include the textiles of the Adi, Apatani, Monpa, Nyishi, Galo, and Tai Khamti communities. The list also includes Monpa handmade paper, Singpho Phalap (Singpho tea), Adi Apong (beverage), the Dao (sword), Angnyat millet, and Marua Apo (Marua millet beverage).

Arunachal now has a total of 20 products with the coveted GI Tag – the highest among all Northeastern states. This accomplishment, achieved in a short span since the initiative’s inception in 2021, sets the state apart from others, including Assam and many states, as stated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

“This milestone underscores the remarkable achievements of our distinctive art and craftsmanship, as well as the abundant biodiversity present in our state,” he said.

CLAIM TO FAME

Adi Textiles
The Adi tribe which inhabits the Upper Siang, East and West Siang, Dibang Valley, and Upper Subansiri is famed for its expert weaving skills, an intrinsic part of daily life for the women folk. The loin loom is an inheritable property for the girl. Though there is a lot of focus on simple lines, these can be arranged in highly decorative patterns for the cotton blanket (Gudu/Badu or Jim), shoulder bag, colourful skirt (sarongs), and sleeveless coats (Galuk/Lalik).

Apa Tani textiles
This major ethnic group residing in the Lower Subansiri district has strong roots in handloom weaving traditions in the state. Using fibers from trees, goats and human hair is a big resource for making coats, shawls, skirts, sashes, and sarongs. They tend to favour geometric patterns, adroitly combining angular designs, zigzag lines, and stripes. They traditionally employ a type of loin loom (Chichin) similar to that used by the Nyishi tribe.

Monpa Textiles

Largely concentrated in the districts of Tawang and West Kameng. the Monpas have generations-old skills in weaving woolen items of clothing, blankets, tents, etc., from yak hair. The woolen carpets are legendary for their combination of different shades of woolen yarn, and superb designs of dragons, snow lions, birds, and many floral renditions. Weaving is done almost exclusively by women; the most common raw materials are wool and cotton yarn.

Nyishi Textiles

The Nyishi is one of the major tribes inhabiting Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Papum Pare, East Kameng, and in some parts of west Kameng of Arunachal Pradesh including Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts of Assam. The women are expert weavers and embroiderers and use a hand loom with a paddle Locally known as Rubung Ruekio it is a type of loin loom operated by a lone weaver.

Gale or sarong, is one of the most important cultural dress forms of the Nyishi; it is made from a combination of Eri silk, Muga silk, wool, and cotton. Seven important motifs are used in female garments— Bump, Dumping, Jinjab, Juhu, Luch, Madoli/Putu/Digla, and Moku-khum. Jekum gale has four motifs— Muko-Khum, Luch, Putu and Pomo. This gale is the fusion of cultural and traditional values and also symbolizes the unity of the Nyishi tribe.

Galo textiles

The Galo community largely residing in the Lepa Rada district, is famed for its unique and intricate weaving techniques that produce high-quality cotton and silk fabrics. The yarn is dyed using natural dyes made from plant extracts, bark, and roots.

Tai-Khampti
The community is concentrated in the district of Namsai. The Khampti have a very rich culture of arts and crafts and are well versed in the weaving traditions which have been adapted to their Buddhist culture.

Monpa handmade paper
The Monpas manufacture paper from the bark of a shrub called Dapne Botanical Papercia, locally called Shugu-Sheng. The paper is used for scripting religious texts.

Singpho Phalap
The tea is a unique smoked tea produced by the Singpho tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The community was renowned for its herbal medicinal and healing knowledge. It was first introduced to the British who went on to promote it as a beverage to the rest of the Indian subcontinent.

Adi Apong
This is a commonly consumed beer brewed from fermented rice in the homes of the Adi community. It is offered to guests at festivals.

Anyat Millets
Also known as Job’s Tears, Anyat Millets was commonly grown by the Adi community which resides in Arunachal’s districts of Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang, West Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, and Namsai. It is an intrinsic part of the jhum multi-cropping cultivation traditions.

Marua Apo

Marua is also home-made alcohol in Arunachal Pradesh cuisine. The only difference is that this alcoholic beverage is made of millet instead of rice.

TagGI

Geographical indications (GI) are an essential component of IP rights that protect the distinctive characteristics of products associated with particular geographical areas. India, as a World Trade Organisation (WTO) member, enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods Act in 1999 to safeguard these designations, guaranteeing that goods with specific places or regions remain identifiable and conserved. In addition to providing legal protection, GI tags have a significant cultural and economic impact. They improve their marketability, establish their brand, and boost sales and exports. A registered GI is valid for ten years and can be renewed twice for an additional ten years to emphasize the ongoing value of these local materials.