Shillong, April 2: Meghalaya secured Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its handwoven, hand spun, naturally dyed, organically produced, ethically sourced fabric – the Ryndia, along with Meghalaya handloom products.
The announcement was made by the GI Authority, Registrar Geographical Indications, Geographical Indications Registry, Intellectual Property Office, Government of India.
It was also uploaded as duly registered as a G.I on the official website of the G.I Authority.
A government statement said on Wednesday that the Meghalaya Department of Textiles,had consistently anchored the entire exercise with the support of NABARD & Technical Assistance of Dr. Rajnikanth, and actively facilitated & supported the joint applications made by the Textiles Department & the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, over the past 4 years. The journey was initiated by the Department of Textiles, immediately after the landmark official recognition and declaration of Umden – Diwon as the state’s first Eri Silk village on February 12, 2021.
Frederick Roy Kharkongor , Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles led a delegation comprising Textiles Department officials, the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association and practising weavers cum artisans from the Silk village to actively support the GI application at the final Consultative GI Group meeting convened by the Office of Geographical Indications Registry, Government of India held in Kolkata on November 20, 2024.
The efforts have effectively synchronised with the vision of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Minister Textiles Paul Lyngdoh to collectively leverage the state’s inherent & tangible soft power and to vigorously promote Brand Meghalaya through its unique products which culminated in the GI recognition for Meghalaya’s Ryndia and Meghalaya Khasi handloom products.
