Nicobari Hut Set to Receive Unique GI Tag, Confirms Official

"Applications for GI tags for Nicobari mat and virgin coconut oil have been submitted. We call it the 'chanvi-pati-nyi hupul' (Nicobari hut)," Rashid Yusoof, chairman of the Tribal Development Council.

"We have applied for the GI tag to protect the rights and interests of our community from its misuse in the form of replicas, which are commonly sold in many handicraft emporiums in the Union Territory and other parts of India."

"A couple of registered tribal welfare societies have taken the initiative to get the GI tag for Nicobari hut, mat, and virgin coconut oil," Yusoof explained.  A GI tag is a code that identifies products with a specified geographical origin and quality. It grants legal protection to any unique product found only in a specific location.

The Nicobari hut is distinguished by its eco-friendly design of wood and palm fronds, which keeps a comfortable temperature despite the hot and humid tropical climate of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He also stated that the huts are earthquake resistant.

"Unlike other huts, these have a raised floor to protect against wild animal attacks and heavy rain." Its structures is nearly 18-20 feet in diameter and 15-18 feet in height," Yusoof explained.

He stated that the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is giving financial help for the full GI tag procedure.