Fri Apr 04 16:27:45 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Secures GI Tags for Seven Iconic Products, Boosting Local Economy

**Kolkata, India –** West Bengal has received Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven of its renowned products, including the beloved “Nolen Gurer Sandesh” sweet and Baruipur guavas, a move expected to significantly boost the state’s economy and elevate its traditional offerings on the global stage.

The newly recognized products also include Kamarpukur’s white “bonde” (a type of fritter), Murshidabad’s “Chhanabora” (a type of sweet), Bishnupur’s “motichur laddoo” (a type of sweet), Radhunipagal rice, and Malda’s Nistari silk yarn. The “Nolen Gurer Sandesh,” a winter delicacy made with date palm jaggery and fresh chhena (curdled milk), is particularly cherished in Bengali culture.

HK Guha, president of the Federation of Association of Cottage and Small Industries, hailed the announcement as a “huge step forward.” The federation has been instrumental in securing GI tags for West Bengal’s traditional products, working closely with MSMEs and state bodies. Guha noted that while this is a significant achievement, many more regional products are awaiting GI tag recognition.

The applications for the seven newly approved products were submitted two to three years ago by various institutions, including Misti Udyog (for the sweets), the Baruipur Farmers Producer Company (for guavas), and the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (for Radhunipagal rice). The approval marks a culmination of years of effort.

West Bengal now boasts 26 GI-tagged products, encompassing handicrafts, textiles, tea, food items, and art forms. The state is actively pursuing GI tags for additional products, including other sweets and traditional silver crafts, emphasizing their cultural significance beyond mere commodities.

While the GI tags promise access to new markets, challenges remain, particularly concerning the short shelf life of jaggery-based sweets like “Nolen Gurer Sandesh.” Although modern packaging extends the shelf life of date palm jaggery itself, the sweets still have a limited shelf life of 7-10 days, impacting export costs due to the need for air freight. Despite this, the state government is actively promoting awareness about GI tags to expand market reach.

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