From Nanjangud Banana to Byadagi Chilli: GI Mahotsav 3.0 opens at CFTRI

A visit to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR–CFTRI) campus in Mysuru now offers a vibrant showcase of Geographical Indication (GI) products from Karnataka and several other States, as GI Mahotsav 3.0 began on the campus on December 5. The four-day event features a wide array of GI-certified products and brings together those who have been promoting and safeguarding India’s rich GI heritage.

Organised by the Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (MABIF), the event is an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, and is being held in association with CSIR–CFTRI, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

From Nanjangud Banana to Byadagi Chilli, and from Bidriware to Patteda Anchu sarees, visitors can explore many unique GI products displayed across nearly 50 stalls set up for the Mahotsav.

The exhibition has attracted significant curiosity among the public, as artisans and producers not only display but also sell their distinctive products at the venue.

Describing the Mahotsav as a celebration of India’s geographical heritage, the organisers said that the country’s extraordinary cultural, ecological, and artisanal diversity is reflected in its GI products — unique creations shaped by traditional knowledge, regional practices, and community heritage. “Each GI product stands as a testament to the skill, identity, and legacy of the communities that have preserved these traditions over generations,” they noted.

The event has brought together GI-certified crafts, textiles, traditional foods, spices, and agricultural products, each rooted in a unique regional identity. The stalls are run by GI-registered artisans, farmer groups, producer organisations, and rural enterprises.

The Mahotsav is open to students, farmers, entrepreneurs, startups, researchers, academicians, tourists, buyers, traders, and distributors.

“The event creates an open and inclusive space for learning, exploration, and cultural appreciation. The expo offers an enriching experience for anyone interested in heritage, craftsmanship, food culture, and regional diversity,” the organisers added.

On the occasion, MABIF and CSIR–CFTRI signed an MoU, and MABIF launched several new products.

Giridhar Parvatham, CSIR–CFTRI director, presided over the inaugural function. K. Ganesh Moorthy, executive director and chief executive officer, MABIF, Dr E. Somasundaram, director, Directorate of Agribusiness Development, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Dr. Ashitosh Inamdar, Chief Scientist, CFTRI, Dr. Senthil Vinayagam, director, Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Dr P.P. Mahendran, dean of Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, and Dr. D. Usha Rani, Senior Principal Scientist, CFTRI, were present. The inaugural programme was followed by technical sessions.