Arunachal's Yak Churpi gets GI tag

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a proud milestone with its traditional highland staple Yak Churpi receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, giving the centuries-old product national recognition and global market potential. More than just a food item, Yak Churpi embodies the resilience, identity, and ecological harmony of the mountain communities who have depended on yak culture for survival in the Himalayan highlands.

State Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, announcing the development on X on Monday, said the GI tag is not only an acknowledgement of a regional product but a tribute to the communities of Tawang and West Kameng, whose lives have long been shaped by the yak-based economy. He described the recognition as a moment of pride and a step toward securing livelihoods in one of India’s toughest geographical terrains.

Yak Churpi, known for its dense texture, rich nutrients, and long shelf life, has silently supported mountain families living in high-altitude areas where agricultural options are extremely limited. In his post, Mein highlighted how the cheese has been a basic yet vital food source for generations living in remote valleys, where harsh weather and isolation make survival difficult.

He said the cheese, crafted from locally sourced yak milk using age-old traditional techniques, is a symbol of the bond between people and the mountains. “Yak Churpi has been a simple but important part of life in our higher regions for generations,” he stated, adding that it reflects the deep connection people share with their ecological surroundings.

With registration under GI (Reg No. 809), Yak Churpi now earns legal protection against imitation and gains new market value. Mein stressed that the tag not only protects indigenous processing methods but also assures authenticity and quality for buyers making it more competitive in local and niche global markets.

Experts believe the GI status will help strengthen the economic base of yak-herding families, particularly as climate change and evolving livelihood patterns threaten traditional practices across the Himalayan belt. The recognition is also expected to boost value-added products, tourism promotion, branding opportunities, and the wider presence of Arunachal’s indigenous foods in national and international forums.

Officials say the addition of Yak Churpi to the GI registry enriches the list of Arunachal’s cultural assets and supports sustainable economic development in high-altitude districts. It also enhances the state’s efforts to preserve its unique heritage, while promoting local entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

Calling it “a quiet reflection of our traditions,” Mein emphasised that Yak Churpi stands for endurance, traditional wisdom, and the adaptability of mountain communities. More than a dietary staple, he said, it represents the lifelong bond between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and their ancestral Himalayan landscape, a connection that continues to define the state’s identity.