150 Northeast Products Identified for GI Tagging Over Next Two Years

New Delhi: The government has identified at least 150 distinctive products from India’s northeastern states for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging over the next two years, with the objective of preserving their unique identity and enhancing market recognition.

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) is leading efforts to secure GI tags for region-specific products across the agriculture and horticulture, handloom, and handicraft sectors. The initiative is aimed at promoting indigenous products while safeguarding traditional knowledge and livelihoods.

In a major push to research and innovation, the Ministry has approved the establishment of the North East Science and Technology (NEST) Cluster at IIT Guwahati at a cost of Rs 22.98 crore. The cluster will focus on strengthening research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development across the region.

The NEST initiative will include a Grassroots Innovation Hub, a Technology Hub dedicated to semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and a Centre for Excellence in bamboo-based technologies and other biodegradable, eco-friendly plastics. It will also support innovation centres designed to boost entrepreneurship and skills training.

The Northeast plays a dominant role in India’s agarwood sector, accounting for nearly 96 per cent of the country’s production. Reflecting this strength, India’s annual export quota for agarwood has been increased sixfold. An integrated proposal to develop agarwood clusters in Golaghat district of Assam and Kadamtala in Tripura is currently under active consideration.

The Ministry is also focusing on strengthening traditional bamboo artisan clusters to expand market access, enhance digital connectivity, and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Projects are underway to integrate more than 4,000 artisans into formal markets and upgrade 15 Common Facility Centres (CFCs).

Additionally, procurement units have been set up in Karbi Anglong in Assam and Mokokchung in Nagaland to promote the production of value-added, engineered bamboo products.

With sustained policy support and rising investment interest, the Northeast is expected to play a crucial role in India’s journey towards achieving the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

The momentum was evident at the Rising North East Investors Summit held in New Delhi in May, which saw participation from major corporate groups, foreign investors, and public sector undertakings. The summit generated investment interest amounting to Rs 4.48 lakh crore from private investors and PSUs.

With inputs from IANS