Ponduru Khadi Gets GI Tag Boost

Ponduru Khadi, the handspun and handwoven fabric once cherished by Mahatma Gandhi a century ago, has earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India, breathing new life into Andhra Pradesh’s traditional craft.

The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued the notification on Friday, granting GI status to Khadi products from Ponduru village, located 20 km from Srikakulam town. This tag provides the fabric with a unique identity and legal protection tied to its specific regional origins.

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu hailed the development on social media platform X, expressing delight for Srikakulam’s residents. He noted that he had previously raised the issue in Parliament, pressing the Centre to recognise Ponduru Khadi, and voiced optimism that the tag would surge demand for the artisanal products.

A GI tag, an intellectual property right, offers special recognition and safeguards for goods linked to a particular geographical area due to their distinctive qualities.

The milestone traces back to 2020, when Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Ponduru and engaged with local Khadi weavers. She had then promised GI status, a commitment now honoured through the official notification.