NABARD Facilitates GI Registration for 28 New Indian Products

Key Facts

• Date of GI registration facilitated: 10 July 2026
• Institution involved: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
• Number of new GI products registered: 28
• Total GI products supported by NABARD: 176
• Examples of newly GI-registered products: Nalanda Bawanbuti Saree and Fabrics, Gaya Pattharkatti Stone Craft (Bihar); Kuchai Silk Saree and Fabrics (Jharkhand); Ba Shilp (Bamboo Craft) and Bihu Pepa (musical instrument) (Assam); Himachal Wood Carving Craft (Himachal Pradesh); Khajuraho Metal Craft (Madhya Pradesh)
• GI registration governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
• GI Registry administered under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks
• NABARD Chairman: Dr. Shaji Krishnan V.

Background & Context

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on goods with a specific geographical origin and qualities, reputation, or characteristics unique to that origin. India's GI registration is regulated by the 1999 Act, administered by the GI Registry. NABARD, established in 1982, supports rural development and agriculture and actively facilitates the registration and promotion of GI products. It has set up GI Facilitation Centres at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) Ahmedabad, Bihar Agricultural University, and MABIF Tamil Nadu, and operates a dedicated GI Store at Aihole in Karnataka. These initiatives help preserve traditional knowledge and craftsmanship while enhancing market access and income for artisans and producers.

GI protection helps in securing intellectual property rights that protect unique product qualities attached to a specific place. The 28 newly registered GI products span handicrafts, textiles, bamboo crafts, metalwork, pottery, paintings, and musical instruments, reflecting India's rich cultural and artisanal diversity.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Understanding GI registration and NABARD’s role is crucial in topics related to Indian economy, rural development, intellectual property rights, and government support mechanisms for traditional products. The 1999 GI Act is a significant piece of legislation protecting indigenous products, and NABARD's facilitation shows governmental backing for rural artisans. Exam questions often focus on recent developments in GI registrations, the institutions involved, legal frameworks, and concrete examples of GI-tagged products.

Points to Remember

• NABARD facilitated 28 new GI registrations on 10 July 2026, totaling 176 products supported.
• GI products represent goods with unique regional qualities protected under the 1999 GI Act.
• GI registrations enhance legal protection and marketability for rural and artisanal products.
• NABARD's support includes GI Facilitation Centres in Ahmedabad, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and a GI Store in Karnataka.
• Chairman of NABARD is Dr. Shaji Krishnan V.
• Examples of new GI-registered products include Nalanda Bawanbuti Saree (Bihar), Kuchai Silk Saree (Jharkhand), Bihu Pepa (Assam), Himachal Wood Carving, and Khajuraho Metal Craft (Madhya Pradesh).
• GI protection contributes to preserving cultural heritage and generating employment, with NABARD connecting over 13,000 artisans to markets and creating more than 50,000 direct jobs.