NAMSAI, 19 Jun: A three-day capacity building programme on ‘geographical indications (GI) and post-GI initiatives for livelihood’ concluded here on Friday.
The programme was organised by the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Kolkata, the apex training institute of the NABARD, with the objective of strengthening stakeholders’ knowledge ofGI registration, value addition, branding, marketing, and livelihood promotion.
The programme brought together representatives from NGOs, farmer-producer organisations, organic farmer-producer organisations, government departments, and other GI stakeholders from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
During the inaugural session, BIRD Kolkata faculty member Dr Bhawana Pal explained the provisions of the GIs of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, the process of GI registration, and the roles of various stakeholders, including the NABARD.
NABARD Deputy General Manager Vivek Anandhighlighted the immense potential of GI products in the Northeastern region for enhancing rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable enterprises. Through an online session, Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajni Kant, popularly known as the ‘GI Man of India’, shared practical guidance on the process and importance of GI registration.
The second day featured an exposure-cum-field visit to successful GI initiatives in Namsai and Changlang districts. Participants visited the khaw Tai (Khamti rice) processing unit of the NOSAAP in Lathao, where they observed scientific processing, grading, packaging, and value addition of the GI-tagged rice. They also visited the Tangsa textile handloom cluster in Nongtham to witness traditional weaving techniques, and the Choeping Tibetan Cooperative Society in Miao to understand the craftsmanship behind GI-tagged handmade carpets. The participants further visited NABARD-supported NAVI rural mart in Miao and the NOSAAP rural mart in Namsai, where they learned how rural marts serve as effective platforms for branding, marketing, and selling GI products.
On the concluding day, Arunachal University of Studies Prof Sajjan Choudhuri conducted a session on branding and marketing strategies for GI products. Dr Bhawana Pal discussed post-registration challenges, livelihood opportunities, and the NABARD’s support for promoting GI-based producer organisations.
NOSAAP CEO Chau Athina Chauhai shared the inspiring journey of promoting GI-tagged khaw Tai (Khamti rice) through collective efforts of farmers, while Textiles & Handlooms Department’s Craft Superintendent Dusu Tatu highlighted various government schemes available for the promotion of traditional textiles and handloom products.
The programme equipped participants with practical knowledge on GI registration, value addition, branding, packaging, market linkage, and institutional support mechanisms. It also provided firsthand exposure to successful GI enterprises, enabling the participants to replicate best practices in their respective regions.
The training is expected to contribute significantly towards strengthening GI-based entrepreneurship, preserving traditional knowledge, enhancing market access, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.
The programme was coordinated by NABARD AGM Kamal Roy.
