News

Trade & Policy

Textiles Committee And NEHHDC Join Hands To Secure GI Protection For Northeast Crafts

• By  Textile Excellence
• January 11, 2026

The Textiles Committee under the Ministry of Textiles and the North Eastern Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding in Guwahati to strengthen Intellectual Property Rights protection for traditional products from the Northeast. The agreement was formalised during the North Eastern Region Conclave and focuses on Geographical Indication registration and structured post GI initiatives.

The first phase will support GI registration for 33 distinctive handloom and handicraft products, including 18 from Nagaland and 15 from Meghalaya, under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act 1999. India has crossed 600 registered GI products, yet the Northeast remains underrepresented despite its rich craft heritage. The new partnership seeks to correct this imbalance through coordinated efforts involving central and state agencies.

Post registration initiatives will play a critical role. The programme will prioritise artisan training, quality standardisation, branding strategies, and market linkages to ensure sustained commercial value. Officials noted that GI tagged products often command price premiums of 20% to 30% in niche global markets, improving artisan incomes and regional visibility. The initiative is expected to protect traditional knowledge, strengthen rural livelihoods, and position Northeastern textiles and handicrafts as high value offerings in international markets.

The first phase will support GI registration for 33 distinctive handloom and handicraft products, including 18 from Nagaland and 15 from Meghalaya, under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act 1999. India has crossed 600 registered GI products, yet the Northeast remains underrepresented despite its rich craft heritage. The new partnership seeks to correct this imbalance through coordinated efforts involving central and state agencies.