The concept of Geographical Indications has played an important role in linking local communities with their traditional products. These official recognitions safeguard authenticity and ensure that specific goods are tied to the regions where they originate. Vidarbha, a region in eastern Maharashtra, holds a prominent place in this respect. Several villages here are known for crops, textiles and food items that have received GI status. These recognitions highlight the deep connection between rural landscapes and the products that have been nurtured there for centuries.

The villages are identified not only by their names but also by the reputation of the goods they produce, which are widely recognised beyond local boundaries. The details of four such cases illustrate how agricultural and craft traditions from this region have become firmly established in national records.

1. Bhiwapur and its Chilli

Bhiwapur, a village in the Nagpur district, is synonymous with a variety of chilli that has been cultivated for generations. Locally known as the Doda chilli, it is recognised for its bright red colour, short size and thick skin. Farmers in Bhiwapur and the surrounding parts of Umred taluka have been growing this crop under conditions unique to the area’s soil and climate. The chilli is valued not just for its appearance but also for its capacity to retain quality during storage and transport. It has been used extensively in local cooking as well as in spice blends that reach distant markets.

On 9 March 2017, Bhiwapur Chilli was officially granted the Geographical Indication tag, confirming its association with this specific part of Vidarbha. The GI status ensures that the name Bhiwapur Chilli is tied to the produce grown in this locality and prevents misrepresentation by others. The recognition also acknowledges the long-standing role of the farming community in maintaining the uniqueness of this crop.

2. Waigaon and its Turmeric

Waigaon in Samudrapur taluka of Wardha district is a village where turmeric has shaped both identity and livelihood. Locally, the place is referred to as Haladya Waigaon, with “halad” being the Marathi word for turmeric. This product is known for its deep yellow colour, strong aroma and long shelf life. Cultivation practices in Waigaon and surrounding villages rely on soil conditions and farming methods that have been refined over many decades. Turmeric has had cultural significance, finding use in rituals and daily consumption apart from being sold in wider markets.

The Geographical Indication tag was conferred on Waigaon Turmeric on 3 June 2016. This formal recognition acknowledged the unique character of turmeric produced in this specific region. Farmers from Waigaon have continued to cultivate the crop with methods that reflect inherited knowledge of their soil and environment. The GI tag secures their product’s identity and links the spice directly with the name of the village that has been cultivating it for generations.

3. Bhandara and its Chinoor Rice

Bhandara district has been known for a fragrant and fine variety of rice called Chinoor. This non-Basmati aromatic rice is grown across multiple talukas, including Bhandara, Pauni, Tumsar, Mohadi, Sakoli, Lakhani and Lakhandur. Chinoor rice is prized for its soft texture and mild aroma, making it a preferred choice in households as well as for festive occasions. Cultivation requires careful irrigation and farming practices suited to the conditions of the district’s fields. The demand for this rice extends beyond the region, and its recognition has been long-awaited by cultivators. On 1 July 2023, Bhandara Chinoor Rice was awarded the GI tag, which will remain valid until 30 April 2030.

This registration has tied the product to the district where it has been cultivated and guarded by farming families for generations. The association with Bhandara district is now firmly established in the records of agricultural heritage. Farmers can now use the official GI mark when marketing their produce, linking it directly to Vidarbha’s agrarian landscape.

4. Karvat-Kathi Sari of Vidarbha

The Karvat-Kathi sari represents the weaving traditions of eastern Maharashtra, particularly in the districts of Nagpur, Bhandara and Gondia. Made of tussar silk, the sari is identified by its distinct saw-edged border, known as karvat-kathi in Marathi. The design and weaving techniques have been handed down within families of handloom weavers. This sari has long been a part of traditional attire and is often chosen for its durability, intricate craftsmanship and cultural relevance. The product received GI recognition in June 2017, linking the craft to Vidarbha’s weaving clusters.

This tag not only acknowledges the artistry of the weavers but also ties the sari to the areas where the techniques originated. The sari’s reputation extends beyond local markets, with recognition in different parts of India as an authentic product of Vidarbha. Its formal listing under the GI registry confirms the relationship between traditional weaving families and the fabric that they have produced for decades.

The Geographical Indication tags granted to products like Bhiwapur Chilli, Waigaon Turmeric, Bhandara Chinoor Rice and the Karvat-Kathi sari reveal how deeply rural traditions are tied to regional identities. Each product represents the effort of specific communities that have nurtured and protected their unique qualities through consistent cultivation or craft. By linking these items directly to the villages and districts of Vidarbha, the GI system preserves authenticity and connects local knowledge to larger markets. These recognitions mark the official acknowledgement of centuries of labour, skill and regional character.

They also highlight the varied nature of Vidarbha’s contributions, ranging from spices and rice to handloom textiles. The stories of these products underscore how identity, geography and tradition come together in the most tangible forms of everyday life.