In a significant milestone for the state’s textile industry, Meghalaya has been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed, organically produced, and ethically sourced fabric, Ryndia. The announcement was made by the GI Authority, Registrar Geographical Indications, Geographical Indications Registry, and the Intellectual Property Office, Government of India.
The journey to securing this recognition began in 2021, when the Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, along with NABARD and technical assistance from Dr. Rajnikanth, facilitated the application process for the Ryndia and Meghalaya Handloom Products. The support of the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association and practising weavers and artisans from the state’s first Eri Silk village, Umden-Diwin, was instrumental in the successful outcome.
A delegation led by Frederick Roy Kharkongor IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles, attended the final Consultative GI Group meeting in Kolkata, where they actively supported the application. This effort aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Minister of Textiles, Paul Lyngdoh, to leverage the state’s soft power and promote Brand Meghalaya through its unique products and immersive experiences.
The GI tag is a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its traditional textile heritage while also boosting the local economy. The recognition is expected to increase the demand for Ryndia and Meghalaya Handloom Products, providing a much-needed boost to the state’s economy. With this achievement, Meghalaya is poised to become a major player in the global textile industry, and this milestone is a significant step towards realizing that vision.
As the state’s Prime Minister, Conrad Sangma, has emphasized, the GI tag is a huge opportunity for the state to promote its unique cultural heritage and position itself as a leader in the textile industry. With this recognition, the government is committed to fostering the growth of the industry, creating employment opportunities, and promoting the state’s traditional textile expertise to the world.
In a significant development for the state, the GI tag is expected to open up new markets for Ryndia and Meghalaya Handloom Products, both domestically and internationally. This opportunity is expected to create a boost in the state’s economy, generating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable development. With the GI tag, Meghalaya is poised to take its rightful place as a leader in the global textile industry.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/04/02/gi-tag-for-meghalayas-ryndia-boon-to-states-indigenous-textiles/
Category : MEGHALAYA,NATIONAL,News Alert
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Publish Date: 2025-04-02 17:00:00
