Jasdan Patari Handicraft Earns GI Tag, Boosting Gujarat’s Artisan Heritage

RAJKOT : In a significant boost to Gujarat’s rich handicraft heritage, the traditional Jasdan Patari craft of Rajkot district has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) registration for 2025-26, providing long-awaited recognition and legal protection to a centuries-old art form practised by local artisans for generations.

The GI recognition is being hailed as a landmark achievement for artisan communities in the Jasdan region, where the unique craft has been an integral part of cultural identity and rural livelihoods. The recognition is expected to enhance the product’s visibility, prevent imitation, and create new opportunities in domestic and international markets.

The initiative received crucial support from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development under its Gramya Vikas Nidhi (GVN) programme. Assistance was provided for awareness generation, documentation, and the GI application process, which was facilitated by the Centre for Environment Education.

A NABARD official said, “The GI tag is not merely a recognition of a product; it is a recognition of the skill, tradition, and dedication of artisan communities that have preserved this craft over generations. It will help strengthen livelihoods and encourage younger generations to continue the tradition.”

The GI status grants exclusive rights to producers from the designated region and protects the craft from unauthorised replication. Experts believe this recognition will improve branding, market access, and income opportunities for local artisans while preserving traditional knowledge systems.

NABARD has previously supported GI registration efforts for other Gujarat-based products, including Ajrakh Block Print and Amalsad Chikoo, both of which have successfully secured GI status in recent years.

“The recognition of Jasdan Patari demonstrates the importance of safeguarding India’s traditional crafts and empowering rural communities through market-linked development,” a NABARD representative noted.

With the GI tag now secured, stakeholders expect increased demand, better pricing opportunities, and greater participation of women and youth in artisan activities. The development is also seen as a step toward preserving Gujarat’s cultural legacy while promoting sustainable rural economic growth through traditional craftsmanship.