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

**Kolkata, India** – West Bengal has secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven of its iconic products, a move expected to significantly boost the state’s economy and enhance its global presence. The newly recognized products include the famed *Nolen Gurer Sandesh* (a winter sweetmeat), Baruipur guavas, Kamarpukur’s white *bonde* (a type of fritter), Murshidabad’s *Chhanabora* (a type of sweet), Bishnupur’s *motichur laddoo* (a popular sweet), Radhunipagal rice, and Malda’s Nistari silk yarn.

The GI tag, which protects the product’s origin and quality, is a significant achievement for West Bengal’s artisans and farmers. The *Nolen Gurer Sandesh*, a cherished Bengali delicacy made with date palm jaggery and fresh *chhena*, is particularly noteworthy. The same jaggery is also used in *Joynagar Moya*, another traditional sweet that already holds a GI tag.

HK Guha, president of the Federation of Association of Cottage and Small Industries, hailed the announcement as a “huge step forward.” The federation actively works with MSMEs and state bodies to secure GI recognition for West Bengal’s traditional products. While celebrating this success, Guha noted that several more applications are pending. West Bengal now boasts 26 GI-tagged products, covering handicrafts, textiles, tea, food, and art forms.

Various institutions, including Misti Udyog (a confectioners’ body), Baruipur Farmers Producer Company, and the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute, played key roles in securing the GI tags. Although the approval comes after a two to three-year application process, representatives expressed their satisfaction with the outcome.

Despite the positive news, challenges remain. The short shelf life of jaggery-based sweets like *Nolen Gurer Sandesh* hinders their export potential, adding to the cost due to air freight. However, improvements in date palm jaggery packaging offer some hope for scalability. West Bengal is actively pursuing GI tags for additional products, including other sweets and traditional silver crafts, aiming to further strengthen its cultural identity and economic prospects. State government initiatives are underway to raise awareness of GI tagging among the populace.

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