Ponduru Khadi From Srikakulam Gets GI Tag
The certification, granted under the GI Act, 1999 and sealed in Chennai on November 5, formally acknowledges the centuries-old textile tradition preserved by artisans in Andhra Pradesh: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: Srikakulam’s famed Ponduru Khadi has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India, marking a major recognition of its heritage and artisanal craftsmanship.
The certification, granted under the GI Act, 1999 and sealed in Chennai on November 5, formally acknowledges the centuries-old textile tradition preserved by artisans in Andhra Pradesh.
Handspun and handwoven in Ponduru and surrounding areas of Srikakulam district, Ponduru Khadi is known for its ultra-fine texture and labour-intensive production process. Using indigenous hill cotton and combed cotton, artisans spin yarn on traditional charkhas and weave the fabric with exceptional precision, often taking several days to produce a single metre.
The GI registration, issued under Classes 23, 24 and 25, protects the authenticity of the fabric. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has been named the registered proprietor, ensuring that only khadi produced in Ponduru using traditional methods can be marketed under the name.
The GI tag is expected to boost the livelihoods of local weavers, many of them women, by enhancing market value and global recognition at a time of growing demand for sustainable and handmade textiles.