The Institute, in partnership with the Business Women Committee of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), organised a four-day Geographical Indication (GI) exhibition, Gramin Bharat Mahotsav – રંગ Soota, with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The exhibition was held from January 16 to 19, 2026, in Ahmedabad.
The Mahotsav was organised with the objective of building awareness around Geographical Indications, supporting GI products in reaching wider markets, and enabling artisans and rural producers to earn sustainable livelihoods from their traditional skills. The programme was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. B. K. Singhal, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Gujarat Regional Office. Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, was the Distinguished Guest.
India currently has 724 registered GI products, each linked to the skills, resources, and traditional knowledge of a specific region. Gujarat alone accounts for 28 GI-tagged products.
The exhibition brought together 55 stalls representing artisan groups and producer collectives from 11 states. Visitors witnessed a diverse range of GI-tagged products, including Patan Patola, Kutch Rogan Craft, Mata ni Pachhedi, Sankheda Furniture, Banaras Brocades, Lucknow Chikan, Madhubani paintings, Pochampally Ikkat, Kota Doria, Jaipur Blue Pottery, and Kashmir Saffron, among others.
Along with showcasing these crafts, the Mahotsav created space for direct interaction between artisans, buyers, and institutions. The platform enabled artisans to understand customer preferences, observe price trends, and explore new markets. For many participants, this exposure offered a clearer understanding of how their products were perceived beyond their local markets.
Regional Geographical Indication (GI) Facilitation Centre
…supported by NABARD
