10,000 GI tags by 2030

10,000 GI tags by 2030

Syllabus Areas:

GS I - Culture

GS III - Economy

In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, India’s diverse heritage of handmade crafts, traditional foods, and indigenous products stands out for its authenticity. To protect these unique identities, the Geographical Indications (GI) framework has emerged as a crucial instrument linking products with their place of origin. Recently, the Government of India announced a target to register 10,000 GI tags by 2030, signaling a renewed focus on recognizing and commercializing India’s regional strengths.

The surge in new GI registrations, awareness drives, and the setting up of GI facilitation centers in states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu underline the strategic intent — to turn heritage into an economic asset while preserving traditional knowledge. Yet, the success of GI protection depends on more than mere registration; it demands awareness, institutional support, and robust market linkages.

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right that identifies goods as originating from a specific geographical region, where the quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially linked to that origin.
• Legal Framework: Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 and the Rules, 2002.
• Administered by: The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Example: Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to receive a GI tag in 2004–05.

Objectives of GI Tagging

1. Protection of Origin-based Products: Prevent unauthorized use or imitation of names.
2. Economic Empowerment: Ensure fair returns and better market access for rural artisans and farmers.
3. Cultural Preservation: Safeguard traditional skills, indigenous varieties, and regional craftsmanship.
4. Consumer Trust: Assure authenticity and quality through certification.
5. Promotion of Exports: Strengthen “Brand India” in the global market.

Significance of GI Tags

Cultural and Heritage Significance

• Promotes traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge systems.
• Revives fading art forms like Pattachitra paintings, Channapatna toys, or Madhubani art.

Economic and Social Significance

• Enhances income generation and livelihood opportunities in rural and semi-rural areas.
• Strengthens local identity and boosts regional tourism.
• Creates niche markets for region-specific goods (e.g., Nagaland’s Naga Mircha, Kashmir Saffron).

Environmental and Sustainable Significance

• Encourages eco-friendly practices and local resource use.
• Protects agro-biodiversity and promotes sustainable rural economies.

Challenges and Gaps

1. Low Awareness: Many local producers remain unaware of GI benefits or registration procedures.
2. Weak Enforcement: Counterfeit and imitation goods often misuse GI names with little legal recourse.
3. Marketing Deficit: Lack of branding, packaging, and e-commerce linkage limits visibility.
4. Inadequate Institutional Support: Few states have active IPR/GI facilitation cells.
5. Post-registration Neglect: After obtaining GI status, follow-up measures for quality control and market linkage are often missing.
6. Export Barriers: Limited international recognition outside WTO-member GI treaties.
7. Climate Risks: For agricultural GIs, changing weather patterns can affect product characteristics (e.g., coffee, tea, spices).

Economic Impact

• Rural Development: GI tags can transform rural economies by creating premium markets.
• Case Example:Mysore Silk and Banarasi Saree saw a 30–50% increase in demand post-GI registration.
• Export Boost: Agricultural GIs like Darjeeling Tea and Basmati Rice enjoy global recognition, improving India’s soft trade footprint.
• Inclusive Growth: Supports women-led cooperatives and micro-enterprises engaged in craft and handloom production.

Implementation and Success Stories

• Implementation Mechanism
  1. Registration Process
     • The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai and functions under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM).
     • Applications can be filed by:
       • Associations of producers
       • Cooperative societies
       • Government bodies or registered organizations representing the producers.
     • Each application must include:
       • Proof of the product’s origin,
       • Historical or cultural linkage to the region,
       • Description of production methods,
       • Map of the territory,
       • Evidence of reputation or distinctiveness.
     • After examination and public objection period, successful applicants are granted registration for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
  2. Authorized Users
     • Once registered, only producers from the demarcated region may use the GI name or logo.
     • They must apply for authorization through the registered proprietor (e.g., a cooperative or state agency).
     • This system prevents outsiders from misusing the product name and ensures authenticity.
  3. Certification and Quality Control
     • Local certification committees or producer associations maintain standards for raw materials, design, and production.
     • Periodic inspections are conducted to ensure compliance.
     • However, in many states this certification is still informal — one major area for improvement.
  4. Promotion and Marketing Support
     • DPIIT coordinates with other bodies for promotion and awareness.
     • NABARD funds awareness drives, packaging design, and market linkages under its GI Support Fund.
     • TRIFED promotes tribal crafts with GI potential through exhibitions and “Tribes India” outlets.
     • State IPR/GI Cells work with MSME and Handicrafts departments to train producers on branding and e-commerce.
     • E-commerce tie-ups (like with Amazon Karigar, Flipkart Samarth) help GI artisans reach national markets.
  5. Integration with Schemes
     • GI promotion is now linked with One District One Product (ODOP), Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Vocal for Local
     • States like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are aligning GI products with tourism circuits to create “Craft + Heritage Tourism”
• Success Stories
  1. Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal)
     • India’s first GI tag (2004–05).
     • Post-registration, the Tea Board of India enforced strict labeling and export certification.
     • Result: counterfeit teas declined, brand visibility rose, and exports to the EU and Japan gained premium pricing.
     • The GI tag now covers both “Darjeeling Tea” and the Darjeeling Logo, ensuring visual identity.
  2. Kashmir Saffron (Jammu & Kashmir)
     • Received GI tag in 2020.
     • The GI certification distinguishes it from Iranian saffron, citing higher crocin content and aroma.
     • The National Saffron Mission improved packaging, cold storage, and direct market access, leading to a 15-20 % price increase.
     • Also boosted farmer confidence after years of declining yield.
  3. Kandhamal Haldi (Odisha)
     • GI granted in 2019 for its deep yellow colour and high curcumin content.
     • The Kandhamal Women Self-Help Groups led the application process with NABARD’s
     • Post-GI, turmeric exports to Germany and UAE increased; branding under “Kandhamal Organic Turmeric” helped farmers command higher prices.
  4. Aranmula Kannadi (Kerala)
     • Unique hand-crafted metallic mirrors made from a copper-tin alloy by traditional Viswakarma artisans.
     • GI tag (2005) protected its heritage from cheap machine-made replicas.
     • Kerala government linked it with tourism through the “Responsible Tourism Mission”, increasing both awareness and sales.
  5. Mysore Silk (Karnataka)
     • Managed by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation.
     • GI tag improved authenticity checks through bar-coded silk marks, curbing imitation in local markets.
     • The product now earns global attention for purity and craftsmanship.
  6. Channapatna Toys (Karnataka)
     • GI tag revived this dying lacquer-ware craft.
     • Artisans formed cooperatives, received design training from NID and support from Toy Cluster Development Programme.
     • Exports to Japan and Europe grew, positioning it as India’s “Toy Village.”

Recent State-Wise Developments (2024–25)

Tamil Nadu

• 69 GI tags (2nd highest).
• Latest (April 2025): Panruti Cashew, Panruti Jackfruit, Puliyankudi Acid Lime, Virudhunagar Samba Vathal, Chettikulam Small Onion, Ramanadu Chithiraikar Rice.
• Policy measure: 40 IPR Cells under TANSCST identifying local products.
• Impact: Strong institutional framework and post-GI promotion.

Telangana

• 27 GI tags with more in pipeline.
• Latest: Warangal Chapata Chilli (March 2025).
• Initiative: “One District One Product” (modelled on Japan’s “One Village One Product”).
• Example: Tarakasi silver filigree work of Karimnagar gained global attention (₹12 crore wedding order).
• Policy: Non-GI products banned from Shilparamam craft village.

Andhra Pradesh

• 17 GI tags (e.g., Banaganapalle Mango, Etikoppaka Toys, Pedana Kalamkari).
• Latest: Narasapur Crochet Lace (2024).
• Initiatives:
  • Design interventions for modern utility (e.g., Kondapalli toys as jewelry/keychains).
  • Digital marketing & GI Experience Centres in tourist circuits.
• Challenge: 50% artisans unaware of GI significance.

Assam

• 41 GI tags (e.g., Muga Silk, Jaapi, Dhol, Joha Rice).
• Latest: Axomiya Gohona (Jewellery, April 2025).
• Future: GI Villages in Bodoland for 26 communities.
• Issue: Limited awareness among grassroots producers.

Kerala

• 36 GI tags.
• Latest: Kannadippaya (tribal handicraft, 2024).
• Initiatives:
  • Dedicated portal in for all GI products.
  • Legal support, working capital, and revival missions (e.g., Kannadippaya weaving chain).
  • Success story: Marayur jaggery price rose from ₹40/kg → ₹110/kg post-GI.

Uttar Pradesh

• Highest number (77 GI tags).
• Latest: Banarasi Shehnai, Banaras Bharwan Mirch (April 2025).
• Plan: Secure 75 new GI tags (2025–26).
• Impact: Bhadohi carpet exports rose 10x since GI registration (2010).
• Policy: MSME department onboarding certified entrepreneurs as authorized users.

International Context and Controversies

• WTO Framework: GI protection is governed globally by the TRIPS Agreement (1994).
• EU Model vs. India: The EU enforces stronger cross-border GI protection and marketing integration; India’s system is comparatively weak in post-registration monitoring.
• Controversies:
  • Basmati Rice Dispute between India and Pakistan on export labeling.
  • Turmeric and Neem patents raised debates on biopiracy and traditional knowledge ownership.
  • Darjeeling Tea counterfeits abroad expose weak international enforcement.

Policy and Institutional Framework

• Legislative Base: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry (DPIIT).
• Supporting Bodies: NABARD, TRIFED, APEDA (for export promotion).
• Government Initiatives:
  • Target of 10,000 GI registrations by 2030.
  • Integration with One District One Product (ODOP)
  • GI promotion campaigns under Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Creation of state-level GI cells and online GI directories for traceability.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen Post-GI Ecosystem: Establish certification, quality control, and marketing infrastructure.
2. Enhance Awareness and Training: Conduct capacity-building for artisans and farmer cooperatives.
3. Market Integration: Develop e-commerce platforms and brand alliances to connect producers with consumers.
4. International Protection: Pursue bilateral and multilateral GI recognition agreements.
5. Sustainability Focus: Encourage environmentally sound production aligned with SDG goals.
6. Institutional Coordination: Foster collaboration among DPIIT, NABARD, state IPR cells, and local industries.
7. Data-driven Monitoring: Maintain a digital registry for usage, export performance, and impact analysis.

Geographical Indications are not merely labels of authenticity — they are tools of empowerment. When integrated with strong policy, branding, and sustainability efforts, GI tags can bridge tradition and modernity, offering livelihoods while celebrating India’s diversity. The government’s 2030 target reflects ambition; its realization, however, will depend on turning legal recognition into lived economic transformation.

Prelims Questions: