Ponduru Khadi from Andhra Pradesh Receives GI Tag, Boosting Artisan Livelihoods

Ponduru Khadi from Andhra Pradesh Receives GI Tag, Boosting India’s Traditional Textile Heritage

In a significant boost to India’s indigenous textile legacy, Ponduru Khadi , a rare hand-spun and hand-woven cotton fabric from Andhra Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag . The recognition is expected to enhance the fabric’s global visibility, provide legal protection against imitation, and improve livelihood opportunities for artisans engaged in this centuries-old craft.

GI Tag to Protect Origin and Authenticity

The GI registration for Ponduru Khadi has been granted in favour of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission by the Geographical Indications Registry. The tag legally certifies the fabric’s geographical origin and ensures that only authentic products made in the designated region can be marketed as Ponduru Khadi.

The fabric is produced exclusively in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district and is locally known as Patnulu , a name deeply rooted in regional tradition.

KVIC Hails GI Tag as Landmark Achievement

KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar described the GI recognition as a proud moment for the entire Khadi ecosystem. He credited the sustained policy emphasis and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing renewed national and international attention to traditional Khadi products.

He noted that initiatives such as Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat have revitalised artisan livelihoods, strengthened market linkages, and restored dignity to India’s indigenous crafts.

Unique Craftsmanship of Ponduru Khadi

Ponduru Khadi is distinguished by its entirely manual production process , from cotton cleaning to spinning and weaving. Artisans use locally grown Hill cotton, Punasa cotton, and Red cotton , preserving ancestral techniques passed down through generations.

A unique hallmark of Ponduru Khadi is the use of the jawbone of the Valuga fish for cleaning cotton—an indigenous technique found nowhere else in India. The fabric is also renowned for its exceptionally high yarn count of 100–120 , indicating superior fineness, durability, and comfort.

Economic and Cultural Importance

The GI tag is expected to enhance artisan incomes , create employment opportunities, and expand international market access for Ponduru Khadi. KVIC has highlighted the fabric’s strong association with Mahatma Gandhi’s Swadeshi movement , where Khadi symbolised self-reliance, ethical production, and resistance to colonial imports.

With GI protection now in place, Ponduru Khadi is poised to emerge as both a protected cultural heritage product and a contemporary emblem of India’s self-reliant development vision.

Exam-Focused Points

• Ponduru Khadi originates from Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh .

• Locally known as Patnulu .

• GI tag ensures legal protection and authenticity .

• KVIC is the registered proprietor of the GI tag.

• Fabric uses locally grown cotton and a unique Valuga fish jawbone technique .