Arunachal’s handmade carpet, Wancho woodcraft and Adi Kekir (ginger) gets GI tag

In proud moment for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, three indigenous items from the state—handmade carpet, Wancho woodcraft, and Adi Kekir (ginger)—have found mention in the Geographical Identification (GI) products list of the Government of India.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, making the announcement on X, formerly Twitter, also said that an additional 12 items from Itanagar and Ziro are slated to be added to the GI list before September 15.

“This milestone underscores the remarkable achievements of our distinctive art and craftsmanship, as well as the abundant biodiversity present in our State,” CM Khandu added.

The handmade carpet of Arunachal Pradesh has a great demand in the local, national, and global markets. The carpet is popular because of its unique knotting technique and the use of organic colours to dye the carpets.

The wooden crafts, which are sculptures in human or animal forms, are carved out of Pongmo, which grows in forests. This unique craftsmanship is done by the Wancho tribe, also known as Wancho Naga.

Kekir (ginger), cultivated by the Adi tribe, has many medicinal properties and an irresistible fragrance. The kekir is mainly cultivated in the Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, East and West Siang, and Changlang district of the state.

Earlier, in July this year, two renowned food products from the state—Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice), cultivated by traditional Khampti tribal farmers in the Namsai region—and the prized Yak milk product ‘Yak Churpi’ from West Kameng and Tawang districts—received the GI tag.

A geographical indication (GI) is a label used on products that have a specific geographical origin, are distinctive because they can only be produced in a specific area, and have a guaranteed quality level.

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