Ahmedabad:The first-ever Regional Geographical Indication (GI) Facilitation Centre for Gujarat State has been set up at the campus of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) in Ahmedabad. The Centre, supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), was today inaugurated by Shri Shaji K. V., Chairman, NABARD & EDII Governing Board Member. Also present on the occasion were Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General – EDII; senior officials from IDBI Bank Ltd; artisans, entrepreneurs, GI specialists, and invited guests.
The Centre is mandated to empower artisans, producer groups, and entrepreneurs by facilitating GI registrations and ensuring post-tagging benefits. It will serve as a knowledge and support hub for GI-related services, including awareness creation, application facilitation, producer group formation, legal support, and post-tagging handholding. It will also provide training, research, and policy inputs to strengthen India’s traditional craft and agricultural ecosystem.
Geographical Indication (GI) is a mark of authenticity and quality linked to a product’s place of origin, safeguarding heritage and promoting economic growth. GI recognition provides artisans with the benefits of income enhancement, recognition & reputation, and market expansion.
Currently, with the support of NABARD, 12 craft & agro products are in the advanced stages of the GI tagging process. These include:
• Jasdan Patari Craft (Rajkot)
• Dahod Bead Work of Gujarat
• Khambhat Kite of Gujarat
• Saurashtra Dhabla and Shawl of Gujarat
• Deesa Dabu Block Print of Gujarat
• Kutchi Mud Mirror Craft
• Kodari (Dang)
• White Ragi (Dang)
• Varai (Dang)
• Gir Cow Ghee (Gir Region)
• Bamboo Mat Weaving of Dadra Nagar Haveli (UT)
• Sea Shell Craft of Diu and Daman (UT)
GI tagging has already been procured by EDII for Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print; Surat Sadeli Craft; Gujarat Soof Embroidery; and Bharuch Sujani Weaving.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shaji K. V. said, “This Centre will act as a catalyst in transforming the lives of artisans and rural entrepreneurs by giving their traditional products the recognition they deserve. By ensuring that products are preserved well and gain national and international recognition, we can unlock newer markets and ensure premium value for artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs. We look forward to seeing sustainable business models and carrying forward India’s timeless traditions with dignity and pride.”
Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, remarked, “The GI Facilitation Centre is a huge step forward towards preserving India’s heritage, age-old agro products, and crafts. This will unlock multiple benefits for artisans and entrepreneurs, including their reach to global markets. With NABARD’s support, EDII will continue to handhold them through the journey of GI recognition, branding, and market outreach & linkages.”
The Centre’s activities will be monitored by EDII Professor, Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya. The inauguration was followed by an exhibition and interaction with artisans showcasing unique crafts and products, including Dahod Bead Work, Khambhat Kite, Saurashtra Dhabla and Shawl, Kutch Lippan (Mud Mirror Craft), Gir Cow Ghee, Kodari, White Ragi, Varai, Deesa Dabu Block Print, and Jasdan Patari Craft.