Shillong: Four distinctive products from Meghalaya were bestowed with Geographical Indication (GI) tags by the registrar of Geographical Indications in Chennai on Saturday. Among the honored items are the Garo Dakmanda, a traditional textile wrap-around worn by women, and the Chubitchi, a rice-based local brew cherished by the Garo tribe.

Furthermore, the renowned Lakadong turmeric from Jaintia Hills, known for its high curcumin content, also received recognition. This variety of turmeric, promoted by the state government through a dedicated cultivation program, is celebrated for its exceptional quality and organic cultivation practices. The GI tag is expected to enhance market value and provide a unique selling proposition for the farmers engaged in its cultivation.

Around 14,000 farmers from 43 villages of Lakadong area are currently engaged in cultivating the turmeric variety on 1,753 hectares of land. The GI tag will provide the farmers with a unique selling point, and they will fetch a good market price.

Additionally, the GI tag was awarded to the Larnai pottery, also known as black pottery, from Jaintia Hills. This distinctive craft, characterized by its use of black clay and serpentine stone, highlights the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of the region.

The process of obtaining GI tags was supported by various stakeholders, including the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission, NABARD, and the state government. Padma Shri Rajani Kant, a GI expert, played a crucial role in facilitating the documentation required for the submission to the registrar of GI.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma commended the efforts of all stakeholders involved in securing the GI certifications. He emphasized the significance of preserving local heritage and promoting indigenous products to foster sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in the region.

“Our Garo textile wrap-around Dakmanda, black pottery from Jaintia Hills Larnai pottery, high curcumin content Lakadong turmeric and rice-based local brew Chubitchi have received coveted GI certification. This certification is a testament to the uniqueness of our local products and the richness of our cultural heritage. Thanks to our State departments and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for their contribution and support in securing this recognition. Let us all celebrate this recognition and cherish and promote our local products.”, Chief Minister Sangma said.

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