Chennai: IIT Madras and Human Welfare Association (HWA) have launched an initiative to empower artisans and producer communities through technology-enabled authentication and traceability of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products.
The institutions will develop practical solutions for digital authentication, product traceability, documentation and tech-based interventions. The initiative aims to help artisans establish the authenticity and origin of their products, strengthen consumer confidence, protect cultural identity and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
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Manivannan from the department of applied mechanics said, “Artisans form India’s second-largest population and empowering them with tech can drive transformative impact. John Augustine from the department of computer science said buyers value authenticity but cannot verify it. HWA general secretary Rajni Kant, popularly known as the ‘GI man of India’, said the project could benefit millions of artisans, weavers, farmers, producers once scaled nationally.
“Our goal is to build infrastructure that lets anyone verify an artisan’s identity and a product’s origin. The initiative will be supported by the Artisan Empowerment Lab at IIT-M, which is developing scalable solutions for challenges in the GI ecosystem. The partnership will bring together researchers, industries and govt agencies to preserve traditional knowledge and heritage.