4-day expo of 50 stalls for GI-registered artisans from Dec. 5

Mysore/Mysuru: India’s extraordinary cultural, ecological and artisanal diversity shines through its Geographical Indication (GI) products — creations rooted in traditional knowledge, regional practices and community heritage. Each GI item embodies the skill, identity and legacy of the communities that have safeguarded these traditions for generations.

To promote India’s vibrant GI ecosystem and strengthen market linkages for traditional producers, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, has been driving a series of national GI events.

NABARD-Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF) is organising GI Mahotsav 3.0 — Geographical Indication Products Exhibition from Dec. 5 to 8 at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru.

The four-day expo-cum-sale, open from 10 am to 5 pm, is being held in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, NABARD, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and CSIR-CFTRI.

Inaugural session

The inaugural ceremony on Dec. 5 will feature dignitaries including Er. K. Ganesh Moorthy, Executive Director and CEO of NABARD-MABIF; Dr. Giridhar Parvatam, Director, CSIR-CFTRI, who will preside; Devaraj, Joint Director of MSME; Dr. P. P. Mahendran, Dean, AC&RI, TNAU, Madurai; Dr. E. Somasundaram, Director, DABD, TNAU, Coimbatore and Dr. S. Senthil Vinayagam, Director, IIPM.

The inaugural session will also include the signing of an MoU between MABIF and CSIR-CFTRI to promote innovation, research collaboration and entrepreneurial development in the GI and agri-food sector.

Visitors can attend technical sessions led by industry experts, enjoy cultural programmes celebrating regional arts and traditions and listen to success stories from GI associations, Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) and startups.

A special session during the valedictory on Dec. 8 will highlight notable achievements. GI Mahotsav 3.0 will feature nearly 50 curated stalls exclusively for GI-registered artisans, showcasing and selling authentic GI products from across South India.

The event offers visitors a rare chance to explore heritage crafts and produce, engage directly with traditional artisans and support rural entrepreneurs. The Mahotsav aims to boost market visibility for GI communities, strengthen sustainable livelihoods based on traditional skills and foster innovation within the GI ecosystem.

With thousands of visitors expected, GI Mahotsav 3.0 promises to be a vibrant celebration of India’s GI heritage and a platform empowering the communities that preserve it.

From silk to sandalwood: Mysuru’s GI legacy

A total of 46 products from Karnataka have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with 16 of them originating from the Mysuru region.

The GI-tagged products from Mysuru showcase the region’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage. They include the Nanjangud Banana, Mysore Mallige, Mysore Betel Leaf, Mysore Silk, Mysore Agarbathi, Mysore Rosewood Inlay, Mysore Sandalwood Oil, Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Traditional Paintings, Ganjifa Cards, Ganjifa Cards (Logo), Mysore Silk (Logo), Coorg Orange, Channapatna Dolls, Coorg Green Cardamom, and Coorg Arabica Coffee.

Together, these products reflect the diversity and craftsmanship of Mysuru and its surrounding areas, underscoring the region’s enduring contribution to Karnataka’s GI legacy.