Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Posted 22 Feb 2025

3 min read

Why in the News?

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry set a target of reaching 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by 2030 at GI Samagam in New Delhi.

Definition: GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Application: GI are typically used for any agricultural, natural or manufactured goods or any goods of handicraft or of industry and includes food stuff.
Protection: GI tagging provides legal protection to the producers preventing others from using the name of the product without permission.

The first GI tag was given to Darjeeling tea in 2004-05.
The number of GI tags issued by the department till July 2024 stands at 605.
Uttar Pradesh is the leading state in highest number of GI-tagged products followed by Tamil Nadu.

State/UTs	Goods
Uttar Pradesh	Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print Textile Banaras Metal Casting Craft Bareilly Cane & Bamboo Craft Tharu Embroidery Bareilly Zari Zardoji Banaras Tirangi Barfi
Assam	Bodo Aronai Bodo Napham – Fermented Fish Bodo Ondla Bodo Gwkha – Gwkhwi, Bodo Jou Gwran, Bodo Jou Gishi, Bodo Maibra Jou Bidwi Bodo Narzi
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	Nicobari Canoe - Hodi Craft Nicobari Mat (Chatrai / Hileuoi) Andaman Karen Musley Rice Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich (Virgin Coconut Oil) Nguat–Kuk'–'Khawtha' Padauk Wood Craft
Gujarat	Kutch Ajrakh

Low Registration Rate: India lags behind nations like China (9,785 GIs), Germany (7,586), and Hungary (7,290) (World IP Indicators 2024).
Regional Disparity: States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh have more GI registrations than others like Jharkhand and Tripura.
GI Violations: Example: Banarasi silk is copied in Surat using power looms to create cheaper imitations.
Lack of Awareness: Many rural producers are unaware of GI benefits. Example: Kagga Rice, a salt-tolerant variety from coastal regions of Karnataka, remains under-recognized.
Geographical Disputes: Multiple states claim GIs for the same product. Example: Basmati rice faces ownership claims from different regions.
Post-Registration Issues: Concerns about definition of a producer and the process for claiming authorised user status. Example: Farmers with GI-tagged products often lack knowledge of GI processes.

GI Logo & Tagline: Tagline "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India" represents the spirit of Geographical Indications of India
Promoting GI Exports. APEDA facilitates GI product exports. Examples: Naga Mircha (Nagaland) and Black Rice (Manipur) to UK, Assam Lemon to Italy.
One District One Product (ODOP): Promotes one key product per district. Products are identified under Districts as Export Hubs (DEH), and GI-tagged products.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): Connects GI-tagged products with buyers across India and globally.

Increasing Awareness: Government policies should explicitly highlight 'GI Certified Goods' to help artisans recognize GI benefits.
Strengthening Post-Registration Framework: Establish clear criteria for defining producers and maintaining authorised user status.
Support for Poor Producers: Provide export subsidies to small producers and artisans to help them compete globally.
Resolving State Disputes: States should collaborate on GI claims. Example: Kolhapuri Chappals received GI for both Karnataka and Maharashtra due to high demand.
Conservation-Centric Approach: GI products like Kanniyakumari Matti banana and Kashmir saffron need adaptation strategies to counter climate change.