NAMSAI, Jun 17: A three-day training programme on ‘Capacity Building Programme on GI & Post-GI Initiatives for Livelihood’, organized by the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Kolkata, the apex training institute of NABARD, got underway in a city hotel here today.
Designed for representatives of NGOs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Organic Farmer Producer Organisations (OFPOs), and other stakeholders engaged in Geographical Indication (GI) activities, the programme brings together participants from various districts of Arunachal Pradesh and the neighbouring State of Assam as well.
Gracing the inaugural session, local MLA Zingnu Namchoom appreciated the efforts of NABARD and BIRD (Kolkata) for organizing the programme in Arunachal Pradesh. He highlighted the State government’s commitment to promoting GI products and stressed the need to strengthen cooperatives and producer institutions for value addition, branding, and marketing of GI products.
Addressing the gathering, District Planning Officer Dr Keshab Sarmah stressed the need to increase the production of GI products to meet market demand. Referring to Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice), he said that while GI registration is a significant milestone, scaling up production without compromising quality is essential for commercial success.
The DPO also shared the success story of the Namsai Fresh brand, citing how effective branding and publicity have enhanced the demand for locally produced ghee.
Vivek Anand, DGM NABARD, highlighted the national bank’s initiatives in promoting GI registration and supporting post-GI interventions such as capacity building, branding, packaging, quality standardisation, market linkages, and awareness on Intellectual Property Rights to improve the income of producers and artisans.
Earlier, welcoming the participants, Dr Bhawana Pal, Faculty Member-cum-Programme Director (BIRD Kolkata), highlighted the objectives of the programme and emphasized the role of GIs and Post-GI interventions in promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening value chains, and enhancing market opportunities for local producers and artisans.
Kamal Roy, AGM NABARD (Namsai), shared a few success stories of NABARD’s interventions in promoting rural livelihoods and value-chain development in the district.
The three-day programme will feature technical sessions on GI registration, post-GI initiatives, branding, marketing, Intellectual Property Rights, and successful case studies from across the country, equipping participants with practical knowledge to strengthen GI-based livelihoods.