The implication of GI as an IPR instrument is that it gives rights to the people who produce these products in a specified region to stop others from using the geographical name in marketing the produce which does not originate from that defined area. With a view to protect the unique features of our arts & crafts and to prevent unauthorised use of the name of the identified GIs, NABARD has been extending financial assistance for GI patenting for such crafts. Grant assistance was provided to Andhra Pradesh Technology Development & Promotion Centre for securing Geographic Indication (GI) certification for Gadwal Sarees, Jamdhani Fabrics, Dharmavaram Sarees and Pochampally Sarees in Andhra Pradesh .

Realising that marketing has a crucial role in development of rural non-farm sector and rural haats are an integral part of the rural market system, NABARD has decided to support two Rural Haats to Gram Panchayats (GP) or Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies( PACS) in each DRIP district and one Rural Haat to GP/PACs in DDM districts by providing grant assistance @ 90% of the total project cost with an upper limit of Rs.3 lakh per haat for providing minimum infrastructural facilities in the form of raised platforms with semi-permanent roofing, sanitation arrangements, provision of drinking water, compound wall/barbed wire fencing, parking, notice board etc.

Financial support beyond Rs.3.00 lakh will be extended by way of soft loan for providing some additional facilities in terms of 10-15 permanent shops with shutters for bringing in other essential services.

Soft loan extended to Gram Panchayat/ PACS shall be repaid to NABARD in 5 to 7 years including an initial moratorium period of one year on half yearly basis. The rate of interest on the soft loan will be such as may be determined by NABARD from time to time.