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Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 136 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India Reports 136
Showcasing GI Crafts The exhibition brought together 55 stalls representing artisan groups and producer
collectives from 11 states. Visitors witnessed a diverse range of GI-tagged products,
...Gramin Bharat Mahotsav - ‘રગ Soota’ including Patan Patola, Kutch Rogan Craft, Mata ni Pachhedi, Sankheda Furniture, Banaras
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Brocades, Lucknow Chikan, Madhubani paintings, Pochampally Ikkat, Kota Doria, Jaipur
Blue Pottery and Kashmir Saffron, among others.
The Institute in partnership with Business Women Committee of the Gujarat Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (GCCI), organized a four-day Geographical Indication (GI) exhibition, Along with showcasing these crafts, the Mahotsav created space for direct interaction
Gramin Bharat Mahotsav – રગ Soota, with the support of the National Bank for Agriculture between artisans, buyers and institutions. The setting enabled artisans to understand
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and Rural Development (NABARD). The exhibition was held during January 16 to 19, 2026, customer preferences, observe price trends and explore new markets. For many
in Ahmedabad. participants, this exposure offered a clearer understanding of how their products were
perceived beyond their local markets.
The Mahotsav was organised with the objective of building awareness around
Geographical Indications, supporting GI products in reaching wider markets, and enabling Mr. Singhal, said, “Considering that GIs have the potential to
artisans and rural producers to earn sustainable livelihoods from their traditional skills. The transform traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods, NABARD
programme was graced by the Chief Guest, Mr. B. K. Singhal, Chief General Manager, and EDII, through their regional GI centre, are strengthening
NABARD, Gujarat Regional Office. Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII was the market positioning and enabling artisans and rural entrepreneurs
distinguished guest. to access wider markets and realise fair value for their work.”
India currently has 724 registered GI products, each linked to the skills, resources and “By aligning heritage-based products with markets, the exhibition
traditional knowledge of a specific region. Gujarat alone accounts for 28 GI-tagged
will advance the national vision of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar
products.
Bharat. EDII endeavours to bring the country's skilled artisans into
the mainstream, so that they grow manifold, socially and
economically”, said Dr. Shukla.
Regional Geographical Indication (GI) Facilitation Centre
...supported by NABARD
EDII has established the NABARD-supported Regional Geographical Indication (GI)
Facilitation Centre. This was inaugurated at the EDII campus in September, 2025.
The Centre is first-of-its-kind in Gujarat and has been established to support
Mr. B. K. Singhal, Chief General Manager, NABARD Gujarat Regional Office, interacting with artisans
during the Mahotsav. Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Director, Dept. of Entrepreneurship Education, EDII artisans, producer groups and entrepreneurs across the state. The centre has
was also a part of the discussions. generated cumulative sales of more than Rs. 2 Lakh.
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