Ranchi, Jul 20 (PTI) Jharkhand is aiming to increase the number of its GI-tagged products to around 25, with more than 10 products, including Deoghar's famed Atthe Mutton, in the pipeline for recognition, a senior official said on Monday.

Jharcraft MD Garima Singh said the state already has 12 GI-tagged products, including Kuchai silk saree and fabrics, Jharkhand Dokra craft, tribal jewellery and bamboo craft.

"We are aiming to take the number of GI-tagged products to around 25. More than 10 products are in the pipeline, including Atthe Mutton from Deoghar, a signature dish cooked entirely in pure desi ghee, Sweet Tamarind from Simdega and Kuchai Turmeric from Saraikela-Kharsawan," she said, addressing the 45th foundation day celebrations of the NABARD.

Singh expressed hope that many of these products would receive Geographical Indication (GI) tags over the next one-and-a-half years.

She said GI recognition not only protects a product's identity but also strengthens livelihoods by promoting rural entrepreneurship, preserving cultural heritage and improving market access for artisans and producers.

"GI recognition is more than a legal recognition or a marketing tool. There is now an immense need for post-GI interventions such as maintaining product quality and providing digital e-commerce platforms so that the benefits reach primary producers and artisans. NABARD has contributed significantly in this direction," she said.

NABARD's Jharkhand Chief General Manager Deepmala Ghosh spoke about the institution's role in promoting GI-based livelihoods and supporting non-farm sectors through skill development, marketing initiatives and rural haats.

According to NABARD, it has invested Rs 16,656.79 crore in Jharkhand over the last three years, including Rs 5,892.09 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and Rs 7,481.70 crore as short-term and long-term refinance.

The event also featured a technical session by Rajni Kant, popularly known as the "GI Man of India", who underscored Jharkhand's untapped potential for securing GI recognition for more traditional products. PTI RPS RPS SOM