Geographical Indication (GI) Tags in Agriculture - Agriinsights

The topic of Geographic Indication (GI) tags in agriculture are relevant for all agri-competitive examinations such as ICAR JRF, CUET, IBPS AFO, NABARD, FCI, UPSC, and others. You must be well-versed in this topic. This post will discuss GI tags, as well as a list of agricultural items covered by GI tags in India and a list of GI tags in 2022.
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What is the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

The "Geographical Indication" (GI) Tag is used to recognize products with unique characteristics that come from a particular region.

The GI Tag is given to a group of people or entrepreneur from a particular region who produces goods with unique quality.

Geographical Indication (GI) is a public property of a particular area or state.

Products from a variety of categories, including handicrafts, manufactured products, food products, natural products, and agricultural products, can obtain the GI tag.

⮞ In 2004–2005, Darjeeling tea became the first product in India to receive a GI tag.  

How GI Tags is given to any products?

Any individual producer, group of people, organization, or authority can apply for the registration of GI tags.

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 governs the issuing of GI tags.
  • This Act went into effect on the 15th of September, 2003.
GI tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry, a division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade.
  • Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai.
The validity of the GI tag is for 10 years, and it can be renewed for another 10 years.

Objective and Benefits of GI Tags

  • Legal Protection to the Products
  • Prevent duplication and unauthorized use of GI products by others.
  • Increase market demands for GI products (both National & International)
  • Increase the revenue of the GI product manufacturers.

Agriculture products got GI Tags in 2022

GI Tag Ag. Products State
Kashmir Saffron Jammu & Kashmir
Manipur Black Rice Manipur
Kandhamal Haladi Odisha
Kodaikanal Malai Poondu Tamil Nadu
Gulbarga Tur Dal Karnataka
Tirur Betel Leaf (Tirur Vettila) Kerala
Khola Chilli Goa
Kaji Nemu Assam
Tandur Redgram Telangana
Alibag white onion Maharashtra
Raktsey Karpo Apricot Ladakh
Attappady thuvara (Attappady redgram) Kerala
Kanthalloor Vattavada Garlic Kerala
Kondungallur Snap Melon Kerala
Allappady Aattukombu Dolichos Bean Kerala
Onattukara Sesame (Onattukara Ellu) Kerala

⮞ As of now, the total number of GI tags in India is 432 (41 of Indian origin and 31 of foreign origin)

⮞ The top 5 states holding the maximum number of GIs are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Famous Agricultural Products that owned GI Tag

  • Basmati Rice (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttrakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh) APEDA got GI on May 2010.
  • Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal) - 1st product in India to receive a GI tag in 2004-05.
  • Kangra Tea (Himachal Pradesh) -  GI tag by India in 2005 & by European Union in 2022.
  • Allahabad Surkha Guava (Uttar Pradesh) -  GI Tag in 2007 2008 for its delectable flavour and lovely perfume. 
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