Context: Telangana is stepping up efforts to safeguard its traditional crafts and region-specific products by securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
- It has already filed applications for several items, and five of them — Narayanpet jewellery making, Hyderabad pearls, Banjara tribal jewellery, Banjara needle craft, and Batik paintings — are in the final stages of approval.
- Comprehensive documentation and field studies for these products have been completed, according to official sources.
- In addition, applications are pending for Armoor turmeric, Nalgonda chitti dosakai, Kollapur Benishan mango, Mahadevpur tussar silk, Jagtial sesame, and Nayakpod masks, signalling the government’s commitment to expanding the GI portfolio. Over the past two years, government has successfully secured two GI tags: Hyderabad lac bangles (2024) and Warangal chapata chilli (2025).
Crucial role
- The GI recognition, granted by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Centre, enhances the value and authenticity of products by highlighting their unique origin and heritage. These tags play a crucial role in creating sustainable employment, boosting rural incomes, and preserving traditional knowledge systems — contributing to inclusive economic growth among farming and artisan communities.
- Currently, Telangana has 18 GI-tagged products, including Pochampally Ikat, Adilabad dokra, Warangal durries, Puttapaka telia rumal, Tandur red gram, Gadwal sari, Siddipet gollabama, Cheriyal painting, and Hyderabad haleem.
- At least 12 more products are in the pipeline for recognition.
- Looking ahead, the State government plans to identify additional GI-worthy products across food, handicrafts, textiles, and other categories.
- It also intends to set up GI galleries at key locations to showcase GI products and promote them as authentic sourcing destinations.
Source: The Hindu; ChatGPT