What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a sign used on products that come from a specific location and have special qualities or reputation because of that origin.
Example: Darjeeling Tea – famous worldwide for its unique flavor due to its place of production.
Where are GI Tags Used?
Agricultural goods – e.g., rice, tea, spices.
Handicrafts & textiles – e.g., Banarasi saree.
Food items & natural goods – e.g., sweets, oils, bamboo crafts.
Industrial goods in some cases.
Why is GI Tag Important?
Gives legal protection to producers.
Prevents fake or copied versions being sold.
Helps rural communities and artisans get better recognition and income.
Current Status of GI Tags in India (till July 2024)
First GI Tag: Darjeeling Tea (2004-05).
Total GI Tags: 605.
Top States: Uttar Pradesh (highest), followed by Tamil Nadu.
Important GI-Tagged Goods in 2024
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 / Jou Gishi / Maibra Jou Bidwi
Bodo Narzi
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Nicobari Canoe (Hodi Craft)
Nicobari Mat (Chatrai/Hileuoi)
Andaman Karen Musley Rice
Nicobari Virgin Coconut Oil
Nguat–Kuk’–’Khawtha’
Padauk Wood Craft
Gujarat
Kutch Ajrakh (Block Printing)
Challenges of GI Tags in India
Low Registration Rate: India has 605 GIs, but countries like China (9,785) are far ahead.
Regional Disparity: Some states have many GI products, while others have very few.
Fake Copies: Example – Banarasi silk is copied in Surat using power looms.
Low Awareness: Farmers and artisans often don’t know GI benefits.
Disputes: Different states claim the same GI product (e.g., Basmati rice).
Post-Registration Issues: Farmers often don’t know how to use their GI rights.
Kuttiyadi coconut may be the next in the long line of agricultural crops from Kerala to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Kavilumpara gram panchayat in Kozhikode have taken the initiative to get this unique coconut variety its due recognition.The Kuttiyadi coconut, cultivated mainly in the Kuttiyadi region of Kozhikode, is known to be a high-yielding variety that starts yielding within five years of planting. Besides, the trunk of this tree is too strong compared to other coconut varieties and resists most pests and draught. The tree even has a life expectancy of more than 100 years. The fruit is larger and heavier while the kernel is thicker than other varieties and hence produces more oil too.
Government Initiatives
GI Logo & Tagline: “Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India.”
GI Exports: Support for exporting GI goods (e.g., Naga Mircha, Black Rice, Assam Lemon).
ODOP (One District One Product): Promotes one special product from each district.
ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce): Helps GI products reach buyers across India and the world.
FAQs on GI Tags
Q1. What is the first GI tag of India?
👉 Darjeeling Tea (2004-05).
Q2. How many GI tags does India have as of July 2024?
👉 605.
Q3. Which state has the highest number of GI-tagged products?
👉 Uttar Pradesh.
Q4. Why are GI tags important?
👉 They protect producers from fake products and increase recognition of local goods.
Q5. Which body promotes GI exports?
👉 APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).
Q6. Give one example of a GI-tagged product from Assam.
👉 Bodo Napham (Fermented Fish).
Q7. What is the tagline of GI India?
👉 Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India.
