What is GI Tag?
- A Geographical Indication, or GI, is a label or symbol given to some items associated with a specific geographical place or origins, such as a region, town, or country.
- Using Geographical Indications tags may be viewed as a certification that a given product is produced using traditional techniques, has certain distinctive traits, or has a specific reputation due to its geographical origin.
- Wine and spirit beverages, agricultural products, foodstuff, handicrafts, and industrial items are all examples of geographical indications tags.
- GI Tag guarantees that the recognized product name may only be used by those registered as authorized users. A marker must identify a product from a specific location to operate as a GI.
The Importance of Geographical Indication Tags
- A geographical indicator right allows individuals who can use the indication to ban its use by a third party when a product does not meet the necessary specifications.
- In the context of the Darjeeling geographical indicator, for example, producers of Darjeeling tea may delete the name “Darjeeling” for tea not cultivated in their tea gardens or manufactured by the standards outlined in the code of practice for the geographical indication.
- On the other hand, a protected GI does not allow the holder to prohibit someone from creating a product using the same methods as those specified in the guidelines for that indication. Typically, GI tag protection is obtained by gaining a claim over the sign that provides the indication.
Advantages of GI Tags
The registration of a Geographical Indication offers the following benefits:
- Products are legally protected.
- It prevents unauthorized use of GI tag items.
- It enables buyers to obtain high-quality items with desired characteristics while ensuring authenticity.
- Increases the economic success of GI tag product manufacturers by increasing their desire in national and international markets.
- Along with the positives, there are also drawbacks to using GI tags. Recently, there has been an increase in disagreements over the provenance of the goods under examination. A lack of unambiguous historical evidence exacerbates this.
What is the role of geographic indication in rural development?
- Geographical indicators are mainly traditional items made by rural communities over centuries that have attained market significance due to their exact features.
- The acknowledgement and preservation of these goods’ marketplaces enable the producer community to dedicate and keep the specific attributes of the product on which the popularity is founded. This may also allow them to collaborate in enhancing the product’s reputation.
Recent updates:
GI tags were awarded to various goods from several states, including Himachali Kala Zeera, Chhattisgarh’s Jeeraphool, Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi, and others.
The following is a complete list of items with geographical indications:
| Products | Categories | States/UTs |
| Rasagola | Food Stuff | Odisha |
| Dindigul Locks | Manufactured | Tamil Nadu |
| Khola Chilli | Agricultural | Goa |
| Tirur Betel Leaf | Agricultural product | Kerala |
| Gholvad Sapota | Food Stuff | Maharashtra |
| Sojat Mehndi | Agricultural product | Rajasthan |
| Judima rice wine | Drinks/Beverages | Assam |
| White Onion | Agricultural product | Maharashtra |
| Karuppur Kalamkari paintings | Handicraft | Tamil Nadu |
