Page 16 - EDII Report-134

Empowering Artisans and Preserving Heritage
...Regional Geographical Indication (GI) Facilitation Centre
Gujarat’s century-old crafts and agro products have received a new ray of hope with the
launch of the state’s first-ever Regional Geographical Indication (GI) Facilitation Centre at
the Institute, with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD).
The centre was inaugurated on September 15, 2025, by (3rd from R) Shri Shaji K. V., Chairman, NABARD & EDII
Governing Board Member, in the presence of (2nd from L) Dr. Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman, Dalit Indian
Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI) & EDII Governing Board Member; (2nd from R) Shri B. K. Singhal,
Chief General Manager, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Gujarat Regional
Office, Ahmedabad; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; Senior officials from NABARD; Artisans;
Entrepreneurs and GI specialists.
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 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 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) and
Sea Shell Craft of Diu and Daman (UT).
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“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 carry forward India’s timeless traditions with
dignity and pride.”
- Shri Shaji K. V., Chairman, NABARD & EDII Governing Board Member
“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.”
- Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General
The inauguration was followed by an exhibition and interaction with artisans
showcasing unique crafts and products, including Dahod Bead Work, Khambhat Kite,
Saurashtra Dhabla & Shawl, Deesa Dabu Block Print, Kutch Lippan (Mud Mirror
Craft), Rajkot Patola, Kodari, White Ragi, Varai and Jasdan Patari Craft. The Centre
activities will be monitored by Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Professor & Director -
Department of Entrepreneurship Education, EDII.
With this milestone, the Institute will extend support in safeguarding crafts, food,
agro-based products and more, while ensuring they secure their rightful place on the
global map. For artisans, this recognition goes beyond a mere tag—it represents
their identity, heritage and pride.
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