Tripura’s two iconic products — ‘Matabari pera prasad’ offered at the famous Tripureswari temple and ‘Rignai pachara’ textiles, representing a traditional hand-woven attire meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using indigenous materials — have been bestowed with the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
With this, in a row three traditional products from Tripura have got international recognition this fiscal. Early this month, the Northeastern State’s ‘Risa’, a hand-woven cloth worn by the indigenous communities of the State, had received the GI tag.
Another indigenous product with GI the queen pineapple of Tripura, is another product that has already got a GI certification is mouthwatering nutrient rich queen pineapple.
Excited at the recent development, Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Sunday in a Facebook post, “I am glad to inform that ‘pera’ (prasad) of Tripureswari temple and ‘Rignai Pachra’, a traditional cloth for women of indigenous tribes, have been given the GI tag.”
Prasada Rao, the former CEO of the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) was equally beaming with pride as he said, “I am happy to share that Tripureswari temple’s ‘pera’, made of milk and sugar, and ‘Rignai Pachra’ textile were accorded the prestigious GI tag on Saturday.” ‘Pera’, is renowned for its unique taste and cultural significance deeply rooted in local traditions while the ‘Rignai Pachra ‘, a garment holding symbolic value within Tripura’s cultural tapestry, reflects the rich legacy of the region’s textile heritage.
According to locals, with increasing demand for the peda among locals as well as visitors, there has been an entry of companies that have started marketing the product to customers across the world. The peda can now be ordered online from interested buyers from far-off places as well as on Facebook and WhatsApp, as per a media report.
On the other hand, the ‘Rignai Pachra’ is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using indigenous materials and techniques, garnering significant interest among urban dwellers, particularly in metropolitan areas, for its traditional allure.
Risa, which received a GI tag early this month, is known for its surprising and stylish designs, exclusive multi-colour combinations, and lasting texture.
It also carries great significance for the art of Tripuri. The Tripuri tribal women make all the fabrics, including Risa, with the help of loin looms.
They make Risa with multi-coloured warp and weft threads on the loom and create the most amazing, stylish designs, said an official from the DoNER Ministry.
The GI tag ensures legal protection against unauthorised imitation or misuse of these products, safeguarding their authenticity and preserving the cultural heritage associated with them.
This recognition also facilitates market access and promotion, both domestically and internationally, thereby fostering economic opportunities for local communities involved in their production.
Moreover, the GI tag serves as a catalyst for sustainable development initiatives, encouraging responsible production practices and empowering indigenous communities involved in the production and trade of these products.
The queen pineapple of Tripura, is another product that has already got a geographical indication (GI) tag with the initiative of North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) along with 12 other fruits and vegetables of Northeast, said officials here on Monday.
Besides queen pineapple of Tripura, Arunachal Orange, Mizo Chilli, Kachai Lemon, Khasi Mandarin, Tezpur Litchi, Sikkim Large Cardamom, Karbi Anglong Ginger, Naga Tree Tomato, ‘Chak-Hao’ Black Rice, Memang Narang, Dalle Khursani and Naga Sweet Cucumber have also got the GI tag.
