Administrator
15 June 2026
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has made public a significant milestone for the artisans and weavers of Jharkhand. What?
Solely due to the consistent efforts of NABARD, Jharkhand's Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and bamboo craft products have received the Geographical Indication(GI) tag.
These four products were nurtured and promoted through sustained interventions and efforts of the NABARD, which have finally secured GI recognition.
Bhagaiya silk, Kuchai silk, Munda jewellery, and Jharkhand bamboo craft, marking a major achievement in the preservation and promotion of the state's unique traditional heritage and rural economy," NABARD, in a statement.
Who grants a GI Tag in India? The authority responsible for granting GI tags ensures that only the real and authentic products come under protection through intellectual property laws. In India, the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai takes care of it.
Reports indicate that the GI recognition is the culmination of years of focused efforts undertaken by the NABARD in collaboration with producer groups, artisans, self-help groups, farmer producer organisations, government departments, technical institutions and other stakeholders, the NABARD’s statement said.
NABARD claimed it played a catalytic role in identifying the unique characteristics of these traditional products, organising producers, strengthening value chains, supporting documentation, facilitating stakeholder consultations and providing critical handholding throughout the GI registration process.
The recognition of Bhagaiya silk and Kuchai silk brings national attention to Jharkhand's rich sericulture traditions. These silk varieties, deeply rooted in local knowledge systems and indigenous craftsmanship, represent generations of skill passed down within rural communities, the statement said.
The GI status will help protect their authenticity, improve market visibility and enable producers to command premium value for their products.
"Similarly, GI recognition accorded to Munda jewellery celebrates the distinctive artistic traditions of the Munda tribal community.
Characterised by its unique motifs, craftsmanship and cultural significance, the jewellery embodies the rich tribal heritage of Jharkhand. The GI tag will contribute towards preserving this traditional knowledge while creating enhanced livelihood opportunities for tribal artisans," the statement said.
The inclusion of Jharkhand bamboo craft acknowledges the creativity and craftsmanship of rural artisans who transform locally available bamboo resources into a wide range of utility and decorative products.
The recognition is expected to promote sustainable livelihoods, encourage enterprise development and strengthen market access for bamboo artisans across the state, the NABARD statement said.
