NAMSAI, Jun 19: A three-day Capacity Building Programme on ‘Geographical Indications (GI) and Post-GI Initiatives for Livelihood’ concluded successfully today in a city hotel here.
Organised by the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Kolkata, the apex training institute of NABARD, the programme aimed to strengthen stakeholders' knowledge on GI registration, value addition, branding, marketing, and livelihood promotion.
Through an online session, Padma Shri Dr Rajni Kant, popularly known as the “GI Man of India”, shared practical guidance on the process and importance of GI registration.
The second day featured an Exposure-cum-Field Visit to successful GI initiatives in Namsai and Changlang districts. Participants visited the Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice) Processing Unit of NOSAAP at Lathao, where they observed scientific processing, grading, packaging, and value addition of the GI-tagged rice. They also visited the Tangsa Textile Handloom Cluster at Nongtham to witness traditional weaving techniques and the Choeping Tibetan Cooperative Society at Miao to understand the craftsmanship behind GI-tagged handmade carpets.
The participants further visited NABARD-supported NAVI Rural Mart at Miao and NOSAAP Rural Mart at Namsai, where they learned how Rural Marts serve as effective platforms for branding, marketing, and selling GI products.
On the concluding day, Prof Sajjan Choudhuri, Professor, Arunachal University of Studies, delivered an insightful session on branding and marketing strategies for GI products.
Dr Bhawana Pal, Faculty Member and Programme Director, BIRD Kolkata, discussed post-registration challenges, livelihood opportunities, and NABARD's support for promoting GI-based producer organisations.
Athina Chauhai, CEO of NOSAAP, shared the inspiring journey of promoting GI-tagged Khaw Tai (Khamti rice) through collective efforts of farmers.
Dusu Tatu, Craft Superintendent, Department of Textiles and Handloom, highlighted various government schemes available for the promotion of traditional textiles and handloom products.
The programme was coordinated by Kamal Roy, AGM (District Development Manager), NABARD, Namsai. He emphasised that collaboration among government agencies, producer organisations, and local communities will play a vital role in harnessing the full potential of GIs for rural prosperity and inclusive economic development.