Madhya Pradesh’s heritage products are stepping into the spotlight, with 27 items earning coveted GI tags that highlight their regional uniqueness. This wave of certifications is transforming local economies and safeguarding traditions against copycats.
The Geographical Indication tag, a hallmark from the Commerce Ministry’s registry, verifies a product’s origin-specific qualities, much like Darjeeling Tea did as India’s first in 2004.
Leading the pack is Betul’s Bharewa art from Tigoria, where craftsman Baldev Waghmare received presidential honors last December. Chhatarpur’s Khajuraho stone and wood crafts join Gwalior’s stone and paper mache works in this elite club.
Textile treasures such as Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees, Dhar’s vibrant bag prints, Indore’s playful leather toys, Datia-Tikamgarh bell metals, Ujjain batik, Jabalpur marble sculptures, Dindori Gond paintings, and Warasivni handlooms complete a stellar handicraft roster.
Farm-fresh successes span Gwalior geometric carpets, Panna’s glittering diamonds, Dindori iron crafts, Balaghat’s aromatic Chinnaur rice, Rewa’s juicy Sunderja mangoes, Sehore-Vidisha Sharabati wheat, the shared Mahoba Deshvari paan, Chhindwara-Pandhurna Nagpuri oranges, Jhabua Kadaknath chicken, Ratlam’s crisp apples, Morena gajak sweets, Bundelkhand Kathia wheat, and Jawra’s robust garlic.
Authorities confirm more products are in the queue for GI approval. This recognition promises to elevate Madhya Pradesh’s profile, blending preservation with prosperity in a competitive market.