What is a Geographical Indication (GI)?
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). The use of a geographical indication, as an indication of the product’s source, acts as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a good reputation due to its geographical origin. Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection Of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of IPRs.
There are numerous Indian products on which the G.I. tag has been endowed. This articles aims to explore some of the most popular ones:
1. Darjeeling Tea
GI Granted In: 2003 (in India) and 2011 (European Union)
Darjeeling Tea is one of the country’s oldest Geographical Indications. Primarily associated with Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal, India, this tea is unknown for its unparalleled flavor. Some believe that the savoury properties of the tea are owing to the complex agro-climatic conditions in Darjeeling. Other factors such as tradition, culture, heritage etc. of the local area have also contributed to the success of this product in domestic markets as well as overseas.
2. Kadaknath Chicken:
GI Granted In:
Kadaknath is a special breed of hen originated from Dhar and Jhabuadistrict of Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for blackish qualities such black feathers, black plumage, and black meat too. The reason for blackish appearance and black meat is because of high levels of melanin.
3. Nagpur Orange
GI Granted In:
Oranges in India are grown in many states like Karnataka, Orissa, Assam, Meghalaya, etc. However, Nagpur oranges are unique, possessing highly nutritious properties and enriched in vitamins such as C, A and B. They have a characteristic unique blend of sugar and acid, which is not seen in any other type of oranges. Their peculiar aroma and unique taste set them apart from other varieties of oranges. Nagpur oranges are widely popular locally as well as in other states.
4. Chanderi Saree
This Saree or fabric has been named after a small and famous town of Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi, known for its historical importance and handloom clusters. The Chanderi fabric was highly sought after amongst the royalties even since ancient times. Chanderi sarees are quite popular in urban societies due to its glamorous look and elegance.
5. Nashik grapes
GI Granted In: 2010-11
Nashik grape is a variety of grape produced in Nashik district of Maharashtra. The region is also known as the grape capital of India. It contributes to more than half of the total grape export of country. The unique taste of these grapes, which aids in wine production, is believed to be attributable to the soil in the region.
6. Gir Kesar Mango
GI Granted In: 2011
These mangoes are mostly grown in Junagarh and Amreli districts as Gir Kesar. Though mangoes from other parts of the state are called Kesar but the taste of Gir Kesar was different from the other varieties of mango grown elsewhere.
7. Kashmir Pashmina
GI Granted In: 2008
Shawls, stole and scarves which are made from the fine wool of Changthangi goat of Ladakh has been given protection by the Central Government. The very basis of traditional Pashmina in Kashmir is hand cleaning and hand spinning which are entirely done by women. This shawl is promoted as alternative to Shahtoosh shawl made from the wool of the Tibetan Antelope which is an endangered species protected under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Currently Pashmina products are tested by Craft Development Institute in Srinagar (Kashmir) in a Government owned laboratory.
8. Kashmir Saffron
GI Granted In: May 2020
Kashmir Saffron, also known as Kashmiri Kesar, is cultivated and harvested in the Karewas of Jammu and Kashmir by local farmers. This particular kesar i.e. Kashmiri Kesar is famous all over the world and is commonly used as spice, cosmetics, health rejuvenator and also for medicinal purposes. It has a characteristic deep red colour of stigmas, high aroma, high quantity of crocin (colour strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
9. Mahabaleshwar Strawberry
GI Granted In: January 2013
The climate condition of Mahabaleshwar is very suitable for strawberry than any other part of the country which is similar to Europe due to which people able to grow this particular type of strawberry which tastes delicious. Also, the taste and sweetness of this fruit is unique. This fruit has been introduced in India by the Britishers and later local farmers started growing it and developed its quality.
10. Bhalia Wheat
GI Granted In: July 2011
India grows wheat in different states but this particular variety of wheat got G.I. tag due to its nutrients. It is rich in protein content and sweet in taste. It is mostly grown across Bhal region of Gujarat. It is grown in a rainfed condition without irrigation and cultivated across hectares of land agricultural land in Gujarat. Recently, this wheat witnessed significant growth in export of up to 808%.
YLCC would like to thank Keshav Sharma for his valuable insights in this article.
