GI logo boost to Assam’s golden hue

GUWAHATI: The golden silk that is produced only in Assam has been allotted the Geographical Indication (GI) logo seven years after the GI Registry office had provided GI tag for muga in 2007.
Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) has been made the registered proprietor of the GI logo for muga silk. The ASTEC had applied for the logo at the GI Registry office in Chennai in 2012 after the state got the GI tag for muga in 2007.
ASTEC director H C Dutta said that the allotment of GI logo for muga silk sector in Assam would ensure that the muga silk products would now have to be produced within the geographical area of Assam and it would lead to augmentation of muga silk farming sector as well as development of entrepreneurship in manufacturing of muga silk materials in the state.
When the tradition of production of muga silk and muga silk garments in Assam is faced with challenges from unscrupulous producers and traders, the GI logo would help add value to muga silk, standardize its quality and thereby increase its commercial value within the country and abroad.
The ASTEC director said if there was no registered users (those authorized to use GI logo), then unscrupulous quarters might imitate traditional Assam-based designs of muga silk garments and use them.
Muga is a golden yellow silk that is obtained from the semi-domesticated multivoltine silk worm (Antheraea Assamensis) which is produced only in Brahmaputra valley of Assam.
Now after allocation of the GI logo, muga silk producers and garments makers can apply for allotment of GI logo for their products to the GI registry office in Chennai through the ASTEC which has set a target for facilitating at least 100 registered users of GI logo by next month. The GI tag is valid for ten years after which it is required renewal.
Dutta said GI registration helps to maintain quality, credibility and unique characteristics of the registered GI products. Meanwhile, an inspection body has been constituted for overall monitoring of activities related to GI tag for muga silk as per the provisions of the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Muga silk is part of age-old silk tradition in Brahmaputra valley and other parts of Assam.
The glitzy indigenous golden silk is considered pride of Assamese women who like to flaunt expensive muga silk dresses while attending traditional ceremonies like marriage functions, Bihu celebrations etc.