In November 2025, Arunachal Pradesh (AR)’s traditional handcrafted blade ‘Dao’ used by several tribal communities and Yak Churpi, traditional highland cheese, secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the GI Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).
- These recognitions reaffirm AR’s cultural, culinary and traditional craftsmanship embedded in these unique products that symbolizes the rich heritage of the state.
Exam Hints:
- What? Two Products Received GI Tag
- Name of Product: Dao, and Yak Churpi
- State: Arunachal Pradesh (AR)
- AR GI Status: ~20 GI-tagged items so far; target to reach 50 by 2030
AR’s GI Tag Status:
GI Products : AR has emerged as one of the main contributors from the North East Region (NER) to India’s list of GI tag products.
- The state has already received several GI tags across various categories like: handloom, agricultural produce, and traditional crafts like: Wakro orange (Agricultural produce), Idu Mishmi textiles (handicraft), Khamti rice (Agricultural produce), and Wancho wooden craft (handicraft).
Key Target: So far, the state has secured nearly 20 GI tag protected items and has set the target to achieve 50 by 2030.
About Dao:
Craftsmanship: The Dao is made manually by master artisans using forging methods passed down over generations.
Significance: Each Dao reflects functional utility as well as the courage, identity and cultural endurance of tribal communities in the region.
About Yak Churpi:
Origin: It is a dairy product (cheese) derived from the milk of the indigenous Arunachali Yak breed, primarily found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of AR.
Significance: It is characterized by its dense textures, high nutritional value and long shelf-life, and has been a staple food for the people living in high-altitude regions of Tawang and West Kameng.
About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
Administered by: GI tags in India, are administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, effective from September 15, 2003.
India’s 1st GI Tag Product: Darjeeling tea holds the distinction of being the 1st Indian product to receive a GI tag in 2004.
Validity: The GI tag is valid for a period of 10 years from date of registration and can be renewed every 10 years.
About Arunachal Pradesh (AR):
Chief Minister (CM)- Pema Khandu
Governor- Lieutenant (Lt.) General Kaiwalya Trivikram (K.T.) Parnaik
Capital- Itanagar
National Park (NP)- Namdapha NP, Mouling NP
