Abstract
Geographical Indication (GI) protection provides a means of recognizing traditional products whose identity is linked to a specific geographical region. Although Arani Silk has received GI recognition, empirical evidence concerning how handloom weavers perceive the benefits and barriers associated with such protection remains limited. This study investigates the perceived benefits and barriers of GI tagging among Arani silk handloom weavers and examines the factors associated with these perceptions. Primary data were obtained from 200 silk handloom weavers in Arani Taluk, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, through structured questionnaire. The study follows a descriptive research design and applies descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to the collected data. The results indicate that production incentives, stakeholder collaboration, protection from counterfeit products and preservation of cultural heritage contributes significantly to the perceived benefits of GI tagging. In contrast, limited awareness, inadequate institutional support and market – related difficulties emerge as important barriers to deriving greater benefits from GI protection. The study extends existing evidence by examining both the perceived benefits and barriers of GI protection from the perspective of GI – tagged silk handloom weavers. The findings provide useful implications for policymakers, handloom development agencies, cooperative societies and other stakeholders in strengthening awareness, institutional mechanisms and market – oriented interventions for the sustainable development of the traditional silk handloom sector.
Keywords: Geographical Indication (GI) Tags, Handloom Weavers, Multiple Regression Analysis, Perceived Barriers, Perceived Benefits, Silk.