Shillong, Apr 1: Meghalaya has added four feathers to its heritage cap by receiving Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Meghalaya Garo textile, Lyrnai pottery, Meghalaya chubitchi and Lakadang turmeric.
On March 30 this year, the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai declared and awarded the coveted Geographical Indication tag No. 741 for Lakadong Turmeric vide Journal No 185 Part 1 of the Government of India. This is a seminal moment for the state and especially for the farmers of Lakadong, as both the state and Lakadong village have finally been rightfully recognised as the source of the best turmeric in the world.
The three other GIs for Garo Dakmanda (Meghalaya Garo Textile), Larnai pottery, and the Garo Chubitchi have also been awarded GI vide journal No 185 Part 3.
The granting of these GI tags underscores the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and promoting economic growth in the region.
Launched on April 24, 2018, Mission Lakadong has proven to be a game-changer, focusing on elevating livelihood opportunities for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs through the promotion of Lakadong turmeric.
The GI tag on the Larnai pottery underscores the distinctive nature of this age-old craft, acknowledging the specific geographical conditions of the region in imparting unique qualities and characteristics to the pottery.
Dakmanda is a traditional attire significant to the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. Worn around as a wraparound skirt, this ankle-length garment is native to the Garo Hills and is traditionally woven from long-staple cotton known as ‘khidig’.
Traditional practices and rituals among the Garos include the intake of an alcoholic beverage, which is known to them as Chubitchi or Chubok, and is traditionally fermented.
“Our Garo textile wrap around Dakmanda, black pottery from Jaintia Hills Larnai pottery, high curcumin content Lakadong turmeric and rice based local brew Chubitchi has received coveted GI certification. This certification is a testament to the uniqueness of our local products and the richness of our cultural heritage. Thanks to our State departments and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for their contribution and support in securing this recognition. Let us all celebrate this recognition and cherish and promote our local products,” Chief Minister Conrad Sangma wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
