In the recent 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for as many as 7 products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The beautiful Andaman and Nicobar Islands are raising awareness both for their nature’s beauty and also for some amazing leaps in the marketing of tribal products. PM Modi recently hailed the Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich Virgin Coconut Oil, Nicobar Coconut, and Andaman Karen Musley Rice among these seven products.
While addressing the nation, PM Modi also focused on the economic empowerment of the tribal communities with initiatives like the Virgin Coconut Oil project. Self-help groups mainly consisting of women are being brought together and are being trained to market and brand so that the product is successful all over the world.
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“This is a big step towards economically empowering our tribal communities,” the Prime Minister noted, adding that the efforts of these groups will soon make Andaman and Nicobar a global name in indigenous products.
The Virgin Coconut Oil, made traditionally, is unrefined, unbleached, and free of chemicals or preservatives. Its GI tag recognition underscores its authenticity and high quality.
Here’s a brief about the Musley rice and Nicobari coconut and why they are different:
Andaman Karen Musley Rice: This is an Indigenous rice variety that has been acclaimed for its aromatic flavour, rich nutritional content, and resilience in saline soils. The Karen community has cultivated it in a traditional way representing their cultural heritage and sustainable farming practices.
Nicobari Coconut: With rich oil content and strong flavour, the Nicobari Coconut attests that the soil of the region and its climate was indeed very friendly. It is now the Virgin Coconut Oil’s backbone of the industry and identity.
GI recognised Nicobari products
Some of the other items which have been approved for GI recognition include the Nicobari Hodi (an outrigger canoe), Nicobari Mat (also known as Chatrai-hileuoi), Nicobari Hut (To Chanvi Pati Nyi hupul), and Padauk Wood Craft.
The NGO, Human Welfare Association, under the guidance of Padma Shri Rajani Kant, has given such a push to the initiative, which will collectively help preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Step toward global recognition
Recognition of these products is not just a matter of pride but a significant economic opportunity for the region. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), along with the Islands’ Administration, facilitated the GI tagging process to ensure the unique identity of these tribal products is preserved and promoted globally.
As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands gain recognition for their indigenous products, the collaborative efforts of the government, self-help groups, and NGOs are paving the way for sustainable development and economic empowerment. With Virgin Coconut Oil leading the charge, the region is well on its way to making its mark on the world stage in celebration of its cultural heritage and natural bounty.
