GI Mahotsav 3.0 in Mysuru to celebrate India's rich 'geographical indication' heritage

To promote India's vibrant GI ecosystem and to strengthen the market linkages for the traditional producers, the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has been holding a series of national GI events.

Mysuru: CSIR–CFTRI is all set to host the GI Mahotsav 3.0, to celebrate India's rich 'Geographical Indication' heritage and to empower the communities that safeguard them, on its premises in Mysuru from December 5 to 8.

To promote India's vibrant GI ecosystem and to strengthen the market linkages for the traditional producers, the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has been holding a series of national GI events. As part of this initiative, the NABARD–Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF), in collaboration with the Union Ministry of MSME, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), and CSIR–CFTRI is organising the GI Mahotsav 3.0-Geographical Indication Products Exhibition.

On this occasion, an MoU will be signed between MABIF and CSIR–CFTRI, aimed at fostering innovation, research collaboration, and entrepreneurial support in the GI and agri-food ecosystem. They will also launch several startup products.

As part of the event, they are hosting technical sessions by eminent personalities on cutting-edge topics, besides cultural programmes, celebrating the regional art and traditions.

About 50 curated stalls, exclusively dedicated to GI–registered artisans, will showcase and sell authentic GI products from across South India. This will offer visitors an opportunity to not only witness the diversity of India's heritage crafts and produce, but also to purchase them directly from the traditional producers.

During a session on the valedictory day, GI associations, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and startups will share their success-stories.

Dr Giridhar Parvatam, director, CSIR-CFTRI, said, "Geographical Indication (GI) products, are the unique creations, shaped by traditional knowledge, skill, and regional practices. They reflect the community heritage/identity or legacy of the communities which preserved these traditions over generations. GI Mahotsav 3.0 aims to enhance market visibility for GI communities; support producers, artisans, and rural entrepreneurs; promote sustainable livelihoods linked to traditional skills and foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the GI ecosystem".

The four-day exhibition-cum-sale will be open for the general public from 10 am to 5 pm.