GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI Tags Awarded in April 2025
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tags in news
Why in the News?
Recently, several Geographical Indication (GI) tags have been awarded to unique products, enhancing their protection in the market and giving them a platform for global recognition.
Here is the list of all the GI tags recently Awarded:
| State | Product Name | Description |
| Meghalaya | Ryndia (Meghalaya Handloom Products) | Ryndia is an eco-friendly fabric made from Ahimsa Silk by indigenous Khasi, Bhoi, and Jaintia artisans. Known for its durability and luxurious texture, Ryndia is used to make stoles, shawls, and garments with organic dyes from local plants. |
| Kerala | Kannadippaya | A traditional tribal handicraft made from the inner layers of reed bamboo. This mat, known for its reflective pattern, provides a cooling effect in summer and warmth during winter. It is woven by various tribal communities, including the Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, and Kadar tribes, primarily in the Idukki, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Palakkad districts of Kerala. |
| Tamil Nadu | Panruti Cashew | This cashew variety is celebrated for its mildly sweet, nutty flavor and its crisp yet tender texture. Grown primarily in Panruti, Tamil Nadu, it has a high demand both domestically and internationally, setting it apart from other cashew varieties due to its unique taste and texture. |
| Panruti Jackfruit | The Panruti jackfruit is a prized agricultural product from Panruti, where commercial cultivation is concentrated. Known for its large size and distinctive flavor, it is available throughout the year, with different varieties ripening at different times. The jackfruit is widely used for making chips, curries, and sweets and has potential for value-added products. | |
| Chettikulam Small Onion | Grown in the Aalathur block of Perambalur district, this small onion variety is an important crop in Tamil Nadu, known for its strong aroma and robust flavor. Over 8,000 hectares in the district are dedicated to small onion cultivation, producing 65,000 to 70,000 tonnes annually. This variety is integral to local cooking and is used in various dishes, offering a unique flavor to regional cuisine. | |
| Puliyangudi Acid Lime | Known as the Lemon City of Tamil Nadu, Puliyangudi produces acid lime that is small to medium-sized (4–6 cm in diameter) with a vibrant green color and thin, smooth skin. The limes are famous for their tangy taste and are widely used in cooking, especially in Southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala, as well as for producing lime juice and lime-based products. | |
| Virudhunagar Samba Vathal | These bright red, spicy sambal chilies from Virudhunagar are renowned for their distinct flavor and are a crucial ingredient in Southern Indian cuisine. They are often used in the oleoresin extraction process, which plays a significant role in the spice industry. | |
| Ramanadu Chithiraikar Rice | A red rice variety from Ramanadu, this rice is known for its ability to keep hunger at bay for hours, making it a staple in many households. The rice is commonly consumed as a hearty porridge and is recognized for its nutritional value and ability to provide long-lasting energy. | |
| Kumbakonam Betel Leaf | Grown in the fertile Cauvery River basin, Kumbakonam Betel Leaf is known for its distinct taste and aroma. It is used in the preparation of paan and as a symbol of hospitality in the region. | |
| West Bengal | Thovalai Flower Garland | A handcrafted floral garland made from a mix of white, red, and green flowers, Thovalai Flower Garland is used for festivals and special occasions. It is woven in a mat-like fashion and is celebrated for its artistic beauty. |
| Murshidabad Chhanobora | This sweet from Murshidabad is made from chhena (curdled milk) and flavored with cardamom. It is known for its smooth texture and distinct taste, being a traditional treat prepared during festivals and significant occasions. | |
| Bishnupur Motichur Laddu | A traditional Bengali sweet laddu, made from finely ground chickpeas, sugar, and ghee. It has a delicate, aromatic flavor and is often enjoyed during festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali. Its historical roots trace back to the Bishnupur region, known for its unique preparation methods. | |
| Kamarpukur Sada Bode | A fried Bengali sweet, Kamarpukur Sada Bode is made from wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. It is an important part of Bengali festivals and local traditions, valued for its crisp texture and sweet, rich taste. | |
| Malda Nistari Silk Yarn | Known for its fine texture, durability, and the intricate traditional weaving techniques used, Malda Nistari Silk Yarn is produced in Malda, Bengal. This silk is highly sought after for its luxurious feel and is used for making high-quality garments. | |
| Radhunipagal Rice | A local variety of rice from Bengal, Radhunipagal is known for its resilient texture and ability to stay filling for extended periods, making it perfect for hearty meals. This rice is a staple in many traditional Bengali dishes. | |
| Baruipur Guava | Baruipur Guava, grown in the fertile soil of West Bengal, is known for its distinct taste and texture. The fruit has a sweet flavor and is used in juices, jams, and desserts. | |
| Jammu and Kashmir
|
Kashmir Namda | A woolen rug from Kashmir, Namda is known for its thick texture and intricate designs. Traditionally crafted by hand using sheep wool, it is prized for its insulating properties and is a significant part of Kashmir’s textile heritage. |
| Kashmir Gabba | A traditional woolen product from Kashmir, Gabba is used in home decor and textiles. It is made using local wool and features intricate handwoven patterns. | |
| Kashmir Willow Bat | Kashmir Willow is used for making high-quality cricket bats, known for their lightweight and durable properties, making it a sought-after material for professional cricket bats. | |
| Kashmir Tweed | Kashmir Tweed is a finely woven fabric, made from wool, and is renowned for its warmth and luxury. It has been traditionally used to make winter garments, particularly coats and shawls. | |
| Kashmir Crewel | A hand-embroidered fabric from Kashmir, Crewel features intricate floral designs and is traditionally used in making home textiles like curtains, bedspreads, and cushions. | |
| Kashmir Chain Stitch | A traditional embroidery technique from Kashmir, Chain Stitch is used to create decorative textiles. The embroidery is vibrant, with floral patterns, and is used in making garments and home furnishings. | |
| Kashmir Shikara | The Shikara is a traditional boat from Kashmir used primarily for tourism and transportation in the Dal Lake. It is a symbol of Kashmir’s rich heritage and has been part of the region’s culture for centuries. | |
| Kashmir Wagguv | Wagguv is a traditional handcrafted product from Kashmir, made using local materials and is known for its unique craftsmanship and cultural significance in the region. |
| [UPSC 2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ Status?
(1) Banaras Brocades and Sarees (2) Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma (3) Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
India introduces new HS code for GI-recognised Rice Varieties
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Customs Organization (WCO); HS Code
Why in the News?
India has introduced a Harmonised System (HS) code for geographical indication (GI) recognised rice exports under an amendment to the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2025-26 Union Budget on February 1, 2025.
About Harmonised System (HS) Code
- HS Code is an internationally recognized classification system for traded goods, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
- It is used to standardize the identification of products in global trade, ensuring uniformity in customs procedures, tariffs, and trade policies.
- The HS Code is a six-digit numerical code, categorized as follows:
- First two digits: Represent the chapter of goods (e.g., “10” for cereals).
- Next two digits: Indicate the heading (e.g., “06” for rice).
- Last two digits: Define the subheading (e.g., “30” for semi-milled or wholly milled rice).
- Countries can extend the HS Code beyond six digits to accommodate specific national requirements (e.g., India uses an 8-digit system).
Impact of HS Code on GI Rice Exports:Trade experts believe that the introduction of an HS code will:
|
About the World Customs Organization (WCO):
- The WCO is an intergovernmental organization responsible for overseeing and standardizing global customs regulations.
- It was established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) and later renamed the WCO in 1994.
- Key Functions of the WCO:
-
- Develops and maintains the HS Code, used by over 200 countries and territories.
- Regulates customs procedures, trade facilitation, and enforcement of trade laws.
- Supports the fight against illegal trade, smuggling, and counterfeit goods.
- The organization works closely with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations (UN) to promote global trade efficiency.
- India is a member of the WCO and follows its HS classification system for trade regulations.
- The WCO’s Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) serves as a blueprint for India’s customs modernization efforts.
PYQ:[2017] Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Commerce Ministry sets a target of 10000 GI tags by 2030
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Geographical Indications (GI) Tags
Why in the News?
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry has announced an ambitious target to achieve 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030.
About Geographical Indications (GI) Tags
- A GI is a sign identifying a product as originating from a specific geographical location, possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics inherently linked to that origin.
- It is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, effective from September 2003.
- It is defined under Article 22(1) of the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement.
- It is managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- GI tags are valid for 10 years and can be renewed upon expiry.
- Darjeeling Tea was the first product to receive a GI tag in 2004–05.
- Purpose and Benefits:
- Protects the identity of unique products linked to specific regions.
- Promotes economic development, cultural preservation, and export potential.
Procedural Implementation and Recognition of GI’s:
- Authority for GI Tags:
- The Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, under the Trade Marks Act, 1999, serves as the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
- The register for GIs is divided into:
- Part A: Registration of GIs.
- Part B: Registration of authorized users.
- Application Process:
- Applications can be made by individuals, associations of persons, producers, or authorized organizations representing the producers’ interests.
- Applications must include details about the product’s quality, nature, reputation, geographical environment, manufacturing process, natural and human factors, and a map of the production territory.
- Scrutiny and Decision:
- The Registrar conducts a preliminary review for deficiencies, with applicants given one month to address any issues.
- Accepted applications are advertised in the GI Journal, inviting objections.
- If unopposed, a certificate of registration is granted.
- Timeframe:
- Registration must be completed within 12 months; otherwise, the Registrar may abandon the application after notifying the applicant.
PYQ:[2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Nanjangud Rasabale Banana
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nanjangud Rasabale Banana
Why in the News?
The “Nanjangud Rasabale banana” has been revived after a drastic decline in cultivation, despite receiving Geographical Indication (GI) certification in 2006 for its unique taste and aroma.
About Nanjangud Rasabale Banana
| Details | |
| Origin | Devarasanahalli village near Nanjangud, Mysore district, Karnataka |
| Unique Features |
|
| Cultivation |
|
| Soil | Black saline alluvial soil along the banks of the Kapila River |
| Significance | Popular in traditional festivals, religious ceremonies, and Kannada literature |
| Cultural Reference | Mentioned in Kayyar Kinhanna Rai’s poem, a notable Kannada literary work |
| Challenges | Decline in quality due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers |
| Economic Impact | Significant for local farmers, high demand due to limited availability |
PYQ:[2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered? (a) Andaman Islands (b) Anaimalai Forests (c) Maikala Hills (d) Tropical rain forests of northeast |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Nagaland’s King Chilli Festival
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Naga King Chilli
Why in the News?
The village of Seiyhama in Nagaland hosted the 3rd edition of the Naga King Chilli Festival, celebrating the importance of the Naga king chilli, one of the world’s hottest chillies.
About Naga King Chilli
- The Naga King Chilli, also known as Raja Mircha or Bhut Jolokia, is one of the world’s hottest chillies, with heat levels exceeding 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
- It is primarily grown in the Northeast Indian states of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- In 2006, it was certified by the Guinness World Records as the hottest chilli in the world, a title it held for several years.
- In 2008, it received a GI tag, recognizing its unique origin and significance in the global spice market.
- The chilli has a heat range of 800,000 to 1,041,427 SHU, making it significantly hotter than common chillies like the jalapeño, which has a SHU of 2,500 to 8,000.
- Benefits offered:
- Rich in capsaicin, it is known for its pain-relieving properties and potential health benefits, such as boosting metabolism, promoting heart health, and relieving pain and inflammation.
- Traditionally, the chilli has been used to preserve food in Nagaland’s hot, humid climate, helping to extend the shelf life of food and reduce waste.
- Cultivation:
-
- The chilli is grown in bamboo groves using ancient cultivation methods.
- Farming begins in December or January, with peak harvests in August and September.
- Approximately 150 households in Seiyhama village, Nagaland, cultivate the Naga King Chilli, with the annual harvest reaching 14,000 kg, valued at ₹70 lakh.
PYQ:[2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Recently Awarded GI Tags
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI, Various GI tags mentioned in the news
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Over 60 products from various regions received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag simultaneously, marking the largest batch of GI tags ever granted.
What is a GI Tag?
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Various GI Tags Awarded:
| Details | |
| Bihu Dhol (Assam) | Traditional drum used during Bihu festivals |
| Jaapi (Assam) | Bamboo headgear worn in rural Assam |
| Sarthebari metal craft (Assam) | Traditional metal craft producing utensils and artifacts |
| Mishing handloom products (Assam) | Handwoven textiles including shawls and sarees |
| Asharikandi terracotta craft (Assam) | Terracotta pottery and decorative items |
| Pani Meteka craft (Assam) | Brass and copper utensils adorned with intricate designs |
| Bodo Dokhona (Assam) | Traditional attire of Bodo women |
| Bodo Eri silk (Assam) | Silk fabric produced from eri silkworms, known for its soft texture and eco-friendly production |
| Bodo Jwmgra (Assam) | Traditional scarf worn by Bodo community members |
| Bodo Gamsa (Assam) | Traditional dress of Bodo men |
| Bodo Thorkha (Assam) | Traditional musical instrument made from bamboo or wood |
| Bodo Sifung (Assam) | Long flute used in traditional Bodo music |
| Banaras Thandai (Uttar Pradesh) | Traditional drink made from milk, nuts, seeds, and spices |
| Banaras Tabla (Uttar Pradesh) | Pair of drums used in classical Indian music |
| Banaras Shehnai (Uttar Pradesh) | Traditional wind instrument used in Indian classical music |
| Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Uttar Pradesh) | Red chili grown in the Banaras region |
| Banaras Lal Peda (Uttar Pradesh) | Popular Indian sweet made from condensed milk and sugar |
| Pachra-Rignai (Tripura) | Traditional dress worn by women, consisting of a wrap-around skirt and blouse |
| Matabari Peda (Tripura) | Sweet delicacy made from condensed milk, sugar, and ghee |
| Garo Textile weaving (Meghalaya) | Traditional weaving craft practiced by the Garo tribe |
| Lyrnai Pottery (Meghalaya) | Traditional pottery making characterized by unique designs and techniques |
| Chubitchi (Meghalaya) | Traditional dish made with meat, local herbs, and spices |
PYQ:Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status? (2015) 1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees 2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma 3. Tirupathi Laddu Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 only 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (2016): (a) ILO (b) IMF (c) UNCTAD (d) WTO
Practice MCQ:Consider the following statements about the Geographical Indications (GI) Tag: 1. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the nodal agency for GI. 2. A GI tag stands valid for 10 years and cannot be renewed. Which of the given statements is/are correct? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
|
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Recently awarded GI Tags
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tags, Products mentioned
Mains level: NA
In the news
- In the past week, many Geographical Indications (GI) Tags were awarded across the states of India.
About GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
Recently Awarded GI Tags
[1] Narasapur Crochet Lace Craft:
| Details | |
| Technique | Handcrafted crochet lace-making using fine threads |
| Design | Intricate patterns and motifs inspired by nature and traditional motifs |
| Uniqueness | Known for delicate and intricate designs, used in sarees, dress materials, and home decor |
| Economic Impact | Provides livelihood to local artisans, enhances market value, protects against imitation |
| Recognition | GI tag promotes cultural heritage, supports economic empowerment of artisans |
[2] Mukha Shilpa of Majuli:
| Details | |
| Origin | Majuli, Assam, the world’s largest river island |
| Artform | Traditional mask-making, also known as Mukha Shilpa |
| Material | Made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo, clay, and cloth |
| Uniqueness | Masks depict mythological characters, deities, and animals, preserving Assamese culture |
| Cultural Significance | Used in traditional Sattriya dance forms, rituals, and festivals |
| Economic Impact | GI tag promotes tourism, empowers local artisans, supports conservation efforts |
| Conservation Efforts | Recognition boosts efforts to preserve and promote this ancient art form |
[3] Traditional Tribal Attire ‘Risa’:
| Details | |
| Origin | Tripura, northeastern state known for rich tribal culture |
| Attire | Traditional attire worn by Tripuri tribal women |
| Fabric | Handwoven cotton fabric with vibrant colors and intricate designs |
| Uniqueness | Unique weaving techniques and motifs representing tribal identity |
| Cultural Heritage | Integral part of Tripuri culture, worn during festivals and ceremonies |
| Economic Impact | GI tag enhances market visibility, supports livelihoods of weavers |
| Preservation Efforts | Recognition promotes preservation and revival of traditional weaving techniques |
[4] Riyawan Garlic (Madhya Pradesh):
| Details | |
| Origin | Riyawan village in Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh |
| Variety | Special type of garlic known for unique taste, aroma, and medicinal properties |
| Cultivation | Grown organically in fertile soil and favorable climate |
| Uniqueness | Distinct flavor and pungency, popular in culinary uses and Ayurvedic medicine |
| Health Benefits | Rich in antioxidants, believed to have medicinal properties for various ailments |
| Economic Impact | GI tag boosts local agriculture, provides economic opportunities to farmers |
| Quality Assurance | Recognition ensures authenticity and quality, protects against imitation |
[5] ‘Chandi Tarakasi’ or Silver Filigree:
| Details | |
| Origin | Cuttack, Odisha, renowned for centuries-old silver filigree craftsmanship |
| Craftsmanship | Intricate art of twisting and curling thin silver wires to create delicate patterns and designs |
| Utility | Used in jewelry, utensils, decorative items, and souvenirs |
| Uniqueness | Unique designs reflecting Odia culture and heritage, passed down through generations |
| Artistic Value | Prized for craftsmanship and artistic appeal |
| Economic Impact | GI tag enhances market value, supports local artisans, promotes preservation of cultural heritage |
| Cultural Heritage | Recognition promotes preservation and continuation of traditional art form |
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2018:
Q.India enacted The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to-
(a) ILO
(b) IMF
(c) UNCTAD
(d) WTO
Post your responses here.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
From Red Ant Chutney to Black Rice: 7 Odisha products have bagged GI tags
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tags
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- Seven products from Odisha, including traditional foods and handicrafts, have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
About GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
Odisha’s GI Tagged Products
[1] Kapdaganda Shawl
- Cultural Emblem: Woven by the Dongria Kondh tribe, this shawl is a symbol of heritage and affection, embroidered with significant colors representing nature and emotions.
- Symbol of Commitment: Often presented during courtship, it signifies formal commitment and is a testament to the tribe’s rich textile legacy.
[2] Lanjia Saura Painting (Idital)
- Tribal Artistry: Belonging to the Lanjia Saura community, these murals painted on mud walls are not just art but a spiritual expression of gratitude and well-being.
- Diverse Representations: With 62 types for various occasions, these paintings reflect the community’s deep connection with nature and their ancestors.
[3] Koraput Kala Jeera Rice
- Aromatic Heritage: Known as the ‘Prince of Rice’, this black-coloured variety is celebrated for its taste and nutritional benefits, preserved by tribal farmers for centuries.
- Health and Tradition: Beyond its culinary appeal, the rice is intertwined with tales of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
[4] Similipal Kai Chutney
- Forest Delicacy: Made from red weaver ants found in the Similipal forests, this chutney is a traditional tribal delicacy packed with nutritional and medicinal value.
- Sustainable Livelihood: The preparation and sale of this chutney provide a source of income for the local tribes, reflecting a harmonious relationship with nature.
[5] Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
- Distinctive Flavour: Known for its prickly thorns and unique taste, this brinjal variety is a culinary favorite, cultivated extensively in Nayagarh district.
- Agricultural Pride: With a history of cultivation dating back nearly a century, this brinjal represents the agricultural ingenuity and tradition of the region.
[6] Odisha Khajuri Guda
- Natural Sweetener: Extracted from date palm trees, this jaggery is an organic delight, known for its dark brown color and unique taste.
- Cultural Sweetness: Traditionally prepared in a trapezoidal form, it’s not just a sweetener but a part of the cultural fabric of Odisha.
[7] Dhenkanal Magji
- Cheese-Based Sweet: Originating from buffalo milk cheese, this sweet is known for its distinct characteristics and nutritional value.
- Legacy of Livelihood: Reflecting the region’s history of buffalo rearing and dairy production, this sweet contributes to the livelihood of thousands.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Channapatna Toys in Afghan school academics
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Channapatna Toys
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Channapatna toys, a traditional craft from Karnataka, India, have become part of children’s academic activities in Afghanistan.
About Channapatna Toys
| Details | |
| Location | Channapatna, the Gombegala Ooru (Toy-town), about 60 km from Bengaluru, in Ramanagara district, Karnataka, India. |
| Industry | Over 250 cottage units and around 50 factories dedicated to toy-making. |
| History | Originated during Tipu Sultan’s reign in the 18th century, influenced by Persian artisans. |
| Features | – Handmade using traditional techniques
– Made primarily of Ivory Wood, also sandalwood and mango wood – Painted with organic, natural dyes – Safe shapes for children (round, blunt edges). |
| Recognition | Received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2005. |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Cultivation of GI-tagged Onattukara Sesame
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Onattukara Ellu (Sesame)
Mains level: NA
Context
- Kerala is taking efforts to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame, a unique and valuable agricultural product.
- Onattukara sesame was granted the GI tag in January this year.
Onattukara Sesame (Ellu )
| Description | |
|
Region of Cultivation |
Primarily cultivated in the Onattukara region, covering Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, India. |
| Medicinal Properties | Onattukara sesame is known for its medicinal properties and high quality. |
| Traditional Use | Traditional ayurvedic doctors in the region have used Onattukara sesame oil for treating rheumatism and skin protection since the 18th century. |
| Nutritional Value | Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Contains essential fatty acids like oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. |
| Varieties | Grown in various varieties, including ‘ayali,’ Kayamkulam-1, thilak, thilathara, and thilarani, developed by ORARS, Kayamkulam. |
| Market Potential | Obtaining the GI tag is expected to increase its popularity and market value, leading to higher prices for sesame seeds and oil. |
| Pricing | Current prices: Sesame seeds – ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram, Sesame oil – ₹500 to ₹600 per kilogram. |
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI tag for Sea Buckthorn
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sea Buckthorn
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Geographical Indication Registry has officially granted the GI tag to ‘Ladakh Sea Buckthorn’.
- It is the fourth GI tag after Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, and Ladakhi Wood Carving in Ladakh.
About Sea Buckthorn
- Sea buckthorn is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia.
- In India, it’s found in the Himalayan region, especially in dry places like the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
- This plant produces small orange or yellow berries that are sour but full of vitamins, especially vitamin C.
- It can survive really hot and really cold temperatures, which makes it perfect for the cold deserts.
- Every part of the plant—berries, leaves, twigs, roots, and thorns—are useful for medicine, food, fuel, and fencing.
- It’s also a vital food source for many birds and provides nutritious food for animals like sheep, goats, donkeys, cattle, and camels in the cold desert regions.
- It is often called the ‘Wonder Plant,’ ‘Ladakh Gold,’ ‘Golden Bush,’ or ‘Gold Mine’ of the cold deserts.
Back2Basics: GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Recent GI tags awarded
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI tags mentioned
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Many GI tags were awarded in this month. Let’s take a look:
GI Tags in News:
[1] Jaderi Namakatti
- Jaderi namakatti are clay sticks that are white in colour, usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture.
- They are used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men and temple elephants.
- Jaderi is a small village in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
- There are around 120 families in Cheyyar taluk whose primary occupation has been making namakatti for more than hundreds of years now.
[2] Basohli Pashmina
- Basohli Pashmina is a very old craft from the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s famous because it’s super soft, very fine, and feels incredibly light.
- Pashmina is a type of material that is hand-spun and known for being incredibly soft, fine, lightweight, and also warm.
- You can make various things from Pashmina, like shawls for men and women, mufflers, blankets, and even baskets.
- It comes from a type of mountain goat called Capra hircus. These goats are found on the Changthang Plateau in Tibet and parts of Ladakh.
- In Ladakh, there are people called the Changpa, who are known for making Pashmina wool. They live on the Changthang plateau in Tibet and are nomadic, which means they move around a lot.
[3] Marcha Rice
- Grown in select pockets of six blocks in West Champaran district, Bihar, India. These blocks include Mainatar, Gaunaha, Narkatiaganj, Ramnagar, Lauriya, and Chanpatia.
- It has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, indicating its unique qualities associated with the region where it’s grown.
- Cultivated by the Marcha Dhan Utpadak Pragatisheel Samuh, a registered organization of paddy cultivators in West Champaran district.
- Known for its distinct aroma and taste, Marcha Rice is a special indigenous variety of paddy.
[4] Atreyapuram Pootharekulu
- Atreyapuram Pootharekulu is a traditional sweet originating from Atreyapuram village, situated on the banks of the Godavari River in the Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh.
- The name ‘Pootharekulu’ translates to ‘coated sheets,’ although this description may appear somewhat vague.
- This traditional sweet is known for its extraordinary delicacy and distinct taste.
- It is created by layering paper-thin sheets of rice flour, which are delicately coated with ghee (clarified butter) and then folded to encase powdered jaggery or sugar dust.
- Additionally, some variants of Pootharekulu may include finely chopped roasted dry fruits such as pistachios, almonds, and cashews.
- The preparation of relies on a specific type of rice known as MTU-3626, referred to locally as Bondalu.
- This rice variety is chosen for its unique taste and its ability to yield a sticky consistency, which is crucial for crafting this sweet.
Back2Basics: GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Goa’s Cashew Industry receives GI Tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Goa's Cashew
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The recent awarding of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Goa’s cashew industry has ignited hope and enthusiasm among cashew manufacturers and processors in the state.
Goa’s Cashew Industry
- Introduction of Cashew in Goa: Cashew was introduced to Goa in the 16th century by Portuguese colonizers. Initially, it was primarily cultivated for afforestation and soil conservation purposes.
- Discovery of Edible Value: The true economic value of cashew nuts was discovered during Goa’s freedom movement in the mid-18th century. Goan prisoners exiled to Portuguese territory in Africa (Mozambique) recognized the edible potential of cashew nuts.
- Growth of Cashew Industry: Cashew production evolved from a cottage industry to a large-scale enterprise, driven by demand, particularly in the USA. The first cashew factory in Goa began operations in 1926, and the first consignment of cashew kernels was exported in 1930.
- Foreign Trade Contribution: By 1961, the cashew processing industry accounted for about 60% of industrial production in Goa. Cashew nuts, both locally grown and imported, were processed and exported to countries like the United States of America, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and West Germany.
Understanding the GI Tag
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Basmati Rice Revolution: From Crop to Cuisine
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Basmati Rice
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- While scientific research often seems distant from practical outcomes, some less-celebrated success stories stand out.
- One such triumph is the transformation of India’s basmati rice industry, driven by scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.
About Basmati Rice
- Basmati rice is a fragrant, long-grain rice variety primarily cultivated in the Indian subcontinent.
- It is native to the foothills of the Himalayas in India and Pakistan.
- Basmati rice is characterized by its long, slender grains that elongate further when cooked.
- Basmati rice is renowned for its natural aromatic fragrance, often described as nutty or floral.
- There are different Basmati rice varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include Basmati 370, Basmati 386, and Basmati 1121.
- Basmati rice from certain regions, particularly Indian Basmati, has received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, indicating its specific geographical origin and quality.
[a] First Revolution
- Traditional Basmati Varieties: Until the late 1980s, Indian farmers primarily cultivated traditional basmati varieties with tall plants prone to lodging, resulting in low yields and long cultivation periods.
- Breakthrough with PB-1: In 1989, the IARI introduced Pusa Basmati-1 (PB-1), a crossbreed that combined traditional basmati grain attributes with high-yielding traits. PB-1 was more compact, sturdy, and offered improved yields and maturity times.
[b] The Second Revolution
- PB-1121’s Quality: The real revolution came in 2003 with the release of Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121), which offered a different advantage. While yielding slightly less, it boasted exceptional grain quality, with elongated kernels that expanded impressively upon cooking.
- Market Impact: PB-1121’s grain quality allowed companies like KRBL Ltd. to create a lucrative export brand, making it a global favourite. This variety significantly contributed to India’s basmati rice exports.
[c] Third Revolution
- PB-1509: In 2013, the IARI introduced Pusa Basmati-1509 (PB-1509), a high-yielding variety with a shorter maturity period. This innovation allowed farmers to cultivate an extra crop, enhancing their economic prospects.
- Diverse Crop Combinations: PB-1509’s early maturity has enabled farmers to explore crop diversification, including potatoes, sunflowers, sweet corn, and onions, in addition to basmati rice.
Breeding for Disease Resistance
- Protecting Gains: IARI scientists have recently focused on preserving yield gains by incorporating disease-resistant genes into their improved basmati varieties.
- Marker-Assisted Selection: Genes for bacterial leaf blight and rice blast fungal disease resistance have been identified through marker-assisted selection techniques.
- New Varieties: The release of Pusa Basmati-1885 and Pusa Basmati-1847 in 2021 marked the introduction of varieties with “in-built resistance” against these diseases, reducing the need for chemical crop protection.
Risk Factors
- Market Dependency: Basmati rice lacks a minimum support price (MSP) and relies heavily on exports, with limited domestic consumption.
- Market Vulnerability: Despite its profitability, basmati farming is exposed to market fluctuations and government export policies. Recent restrictions highlight this vulnerability, affecting basmati farmers.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Magic Rice ‘Chokuwa Saul’ gets GI Tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chokuwa Saul Rice, GI Tag
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Chokuwa rice, the unique possession of Assam’s Ahom dynasty, recently earned a GI (Geographical Indication) tag.
Chokuwa Saul
- Chokuwa rice, a semi-glutinous winter rice type known as Sali rice, carries the legacy of the past.
- The rice variety is classified into Bora and Chokuwa based on amylose concentration, which affects stickiness.
- The Chokuwa variant, low in amylose, yields soft rice, referred to as Komal Chaul.
- This whole grain can be consumed after a preliminary soaking process.
- Its versatility extends to its application in traditional Assamese delicacies like Pithe and various local dishes.
- It is primarily cultivated in the Brahmaputra region and various parts of Assam, including Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Nagaon, and Morigaon.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
In news: New GI Tags Awards
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tag
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai recently granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag to many distinctive products from across India.
GI Tags for Rajasthani Crafts
- Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft: This traditional craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire embedding, and polishing. The process results in exquisite and finely crafted metalware.
- Bikaner Kashidakari Craft: Traditional craftspeople from the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft on cotton, silk, or velvet. The intricate fine stitches and mirror-work are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward off the ‘evil eye.’
- Jodhpur Bandhej Craft: Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal, Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles. The fabrics, including muslin, silk, and voile, are tied with cotton thread before dyeing.
- Bikaner Usta Kala Craft: Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, this craft is characterized by the use of untreated raw camel hide. The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople meticulously processes and molds the leather to create durable and golden-hued products.
Other GI Tagged Products
- Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh): This craft from Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells). The Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible for creating these beautiful metal products.
- Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa): Also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur, this variety of mango was granted a GI tag. The All Goa Mango Growers Association filed the application for this mango, which holds historical significance with its Portuguese-inspired name.
- Goan Bebinca (Goa): Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’ Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding. The All Goa Bakers and Confectioners Association filed the application for the GI tag.
- Kanniyakumari Matti banana (TN): It is a banana variety grown in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for its unique sweet taste and small size. It is cultivated in the southernmost part of India, and its retail market value has increased. The variety is in high demand, especially in the Thiruvananthapuram region of Kerala, where it is exported to Gulf countries. The banana is used in the making of “panchamirtham.”
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Seven products from UP get GI Tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tag
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has recently bestowed Geographical Indication (GI) tags on seven distinct products from Uttar Pradesh.
- These products represent the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the region.
What is GI Tag?
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
GI tags awarded in UP
(1) Amroha Dholak – A Musical Masterpiece
- Description: The Amroha Dholak is a musical instrument crafted from natural wood, with a preference for mango, jackfruit, and teakwood.
- Carving Process: Skilled artisans use mango and sheesham wood to carve multiple-sized hollow blocks, which are then fitted with animal skin, predominantly goatskin, to create the instrument.
(2) Baghpat Home Furnishings – Timeless Handloom Artistry
- Description: Baghpat and Meerut are renowned for their exclusive handloom home furnishings and running fabrics crafted from cotton yarn for generations.
- Traditional Weaving: Skilled weavers in the region employ only cotton yarn in the handloom weaving process, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the products.
(3) Barabanki Handloom Product – A Heritage of Weaving
- Description: Barabanki and its surrounding areas house around 50,000 weavers and 20,000 looms, showcasing the significant presence of handloom weaving.
- Weaving Tradition: The region has a rich history of handloom weaving, with the skilled craftsmen contributing to the vibrant textile industry of Barabanki.
(4) Kalpi Handmade Paper – Time-Honored Craftsmanship
- Description: Kalpi is known for its handmade paper, with the craft being introduced by Munnalal ‘Khaddari’, a Gandhian, in the 1940s.
- Craftsmanship Legacy: The handmade paper-making cluster in Kalpi engages more than 5,000 craftsmen and approximately 200 units, preserving the tradition of exquisite paper-making.
(5) Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip – Crafted Elegance
- Description: Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip represents the stone craft of the region, created from the unique and soft ‘Pyro Flight Stone.’
- Radiant White Stone: The craft utilizes radiant white-colored stone predominantly found in the region, producing exquisite craft items.
(6) Mainpuri Tarkashi – Artistry in Brass Wire Inlay
- Description: Mainpuri is known for Tarkashi, an art form involving brass wire inlay work on wood.
- Traditional Use: Tarkashi was primarily used for crafting khadaous (wooden sandals) as a household necessity, replacing leather due to cultural considerations.
(7) Sambhal Horn Craft – Unique Handmade Art
- Description: Sambhal Horn Craft utilizes raw materials sourced from deceased animals and involves meticulous handcrafting processes.
- Artisanal Creation: Skilled craftsmen transform raw materials into beautiful handmade products, showcasing the uniqueness of Sambhal’s horn craft.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Kari Ishad Mango from Karnataka gets GI tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kari Ishad Mango, GI Tag
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Kari Ishad mango, prominently grown in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.
- The GI certificate has been issued to Matha Totagars Farmer Producer Company Limited, Ankola, and is valid until March 1, 2032 from March 31, 2023.
Kari Ishad Mango
- The Kari Ishad mango is renowned for its unique aroma, luscious taste, high amount of pulp, and distinctive shape and size.
- They are large and have an oblique to oval shape.
- Typically, each panicle bears only one fruit, and a well-grown tree can produce up to 2,000 fruits in a season.
- However, the fruit has a short shelf life of about five days.
Cultivation and Production
- Apart from Ankola, the Kari Ishad mango is grown in Karwar and to a certain extent in Kumta of Uttara Kannada.
- The prominent cultivation areas include Belse, Shetgeri, Belambara, Mogata, and Vandige villages of Ankola.
- Vandige village stands out as the highest producer, yielding around 600 tonnes of fruits per season. Belse village boasts 1,500 plants.
Variants of the Mango
- The Ishad mango has two variants:
- Kari Ishad, characterized by its thin skin, abundance of pulp, and sweetness,
- Bili Ishad, which has thick skin, less pulp, and sweetness.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Tamil Nadu’s Manamadurai Pottery gets GI Tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Manamadurai Pottery, GI Tag
Mains level: Read the attached story
The Manamadurai pottery recently earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Manamadurai Pottery
- The Vaigai river enriches the clay used for the Manamadurai pottery. Pot making requires expertise as the bottom has to be perfectly round.
- The right proportion of mud, clay and heating makes this product very strong. The main raw materials for making these pots are soil and water.
- The sand, collected from different places of the district, is used for making pottery and dried for two days. The particles of the mud get separated by sieving.
- The slurry is mixed with the sand and lead and graphite are added to the mixture to improve the quality.
- This mixture is now rich in calcium lime, ash, red lead, sodium silicate, manganese, iron, and plasticizing. The pot is also painted in different colours.
What makes these pots unique?
- A unique type of clay is sourced from water bodies like Nedunkulam, Nathapurakki, Sundaranadappu, Seikalathur to make these pots.
- While making these pots, the five elements of nature namely earth, water, fire, sun and air are used.
- The basic material for pottery is mud, which represents the earth. Mud is mixed with water, another element of nature.
- This is followed by baking in fire, adding the third element.
- The air percolates through the pores in the clay, marking the fourth element.
- And finally, the cavity enclosed by the pot or any related article represents space.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Madhya Pradesh’s Gond Painting gets GI Tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gond Painting
Mains level: Contribution of GI tags in tribal economy
The Gond painting of Madhya Pradesh has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Other recent GI tags awarded in UP10 products from UP got GI Tag on March 31:
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Gond Art
- Gond painting is a traditional art of Madhya Pradesh and belongs to the Gond tribe.
- Patangarh village of Dindori district is famous for Gond paintings, where there is an artist in every house.
- Their work is famous in the state and abroad for its unique style, theme, and motifs.
- Gond art has been passed down through generations, traditionally adorning the walls of each artist’s home in Patangarh.
Features of Gond Painting
- Gond paintings showcase the beauty of nature, including trees, plants, animals, the moon, sun, river, drains, God, and Goddesses.
- The paintings also portray daily life activities such as food, plough making, and even how the king used to fight.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI art in news: Basohli Paintings
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Basohli Paintings, GI tag
Mains level: Not Much
The famous Basohli Painting, known for its miniature art style from Kathua district, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
Basohli Paintings
- Basohli Paintings are a form of miniature paintings that originated in the town of Basohli in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
- They are known for their vibrant color, intricate details, and depictions of Hindu mythology and legends.
- Basohli Paintings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are considered to be the earliest examples of Pahari paintings.
Key features
| Description | |
| Miniature art | Known for their miniature art style, characterized by intricate and detailed work |
| Bold and vibrant color | Made from natural dyes and pigments |
| Depiction of Hindu mythology | Life of Lord Krishna and stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata |
| Elaborate compositions | Multiple figures and scenes depicted in a single painting |
| Fine detailing | Intricate patterns and designs that are often difficult to replicate |
| Gold and silver accents | Such accents add to their ornate and intricate appearance |
Other GI products from J&K
- The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has included 33 products on the list that have received the GI tag on 31 March 2023.
- The products that received the GI tags include Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products (Kathua), Chikri Wood Craft (Rajouri), Bhaderwah Rajma (Doda), Mushkbudji Rice (Anantnag), Kaladi (Udhampur), Sulai Honey (Ramban), Anardana (Ramban), and Ladakh Wood Carving (Ladakh).
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
In news: Etikoppaka Toy Craft
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Etikoppaka Toy
Mains level: NA
The Union conferred Padma Shri to Mr. Raju in the art category as an honour to the Etikoppaka wooden toy craft.
Etikoppaka Toys
- Etikoppaka is a small village on the banks of Varaha River at a distance of 64 Kms away from the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
- The name Etikoppaka is synonymous with beautiful wooden artifacts and lacquer colours.
- The toys are made with lacquer color and are traditionally known as Etikoppaka toys or Etikoppaka Bommalu.
- The village is very famous for its toys made of wood. The toys are also called as lacquer toys because of application of lacquer coating.
- Etikoppaka Toys have obtained their GI tag under the Handicrafts category in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
How are they made?
- The toys are made out of wood and are coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves.
- The wood used to make the toys is soft in nature and the art of toy making is also known as Turned wood Lacquer craft.
- While making the Etikoppaka toys, lac, a colourless resinous secretion of numerous insects, is used.
- The already prepared vegetable dyes are further mixed to the lac, during the process of oxidation.
- After this process, the end product obtained is rich and colored lacquer.
- The lac dye is used for decorating the Etikoppaka toys, which are exported all over the world.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
FSSAI sets standards for Basmati Rice
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Basmati Rice
Mains level: Not Much
In a bid to promote the business around basmati rice, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified standards for basmati rice. They will be enforced from August 1, 2023.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
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Basmati Rice
- Basmati, pronounced is a variety of long, slender-grained aromatic rice which is traditionally grown in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
- As of 2019, India accounted for 65% of the international trade in basmati rice, while Pakistan accounted for the remaining 35%.
- Many countries use domestically grown basmati rice crops; however, basmati is geographically exclusive to certain districts of India and Pakistan.
- India accounts for over 70% of the world’s basmati rice production.
- The areas which have a geographical indication are in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Western Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
What are the standards set out by FSSAI?
- Fragrance: Basmati has the characteristic fragrance identified with this variety and is free from artificial fragrances and colouring.
- Grain size: The authority has also set standards on parameters such as average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking.
- Vital contents: It has set the maximum limits for moisture, amylose content, uric acid, damaged grains and presence of non-basmati rice.
- Varieties included: The standards are applicable to brown basmati rice, milled basmati rice, parboiled brown basmati rice and milled parboiled basmati rice.
Economics of Basmati
- Basmati rice is exported out of India and had an annual forex earning of Rs 25,053 crore during 2021-22.
- India accounts for two-thirds of the global supply of basmati rice.
Significance of the move
- FSSAI hopes that the standards would protect consumer interest and ensure the quality of basmati rice.
- In 2020, India’s application for a geographical indication tag recognised in the European Union market was put on hold after Pakistan opposed the move.
- Before this, in 1997, Texas-based Company RiceTec developed American basmati varieties and patented them.
- These were introduced in the international market as ‘Kasmati’ and ‘Texmati’.
- However, the patent was contested in the year 2000 by the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India’s premier science and industry organisation, saying the term ‘basmati’ could be used only for rice grown in India and Pakistan.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI in news: Joynagar Moa
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Joynagar Moa
Mains level: NA
The Joynagar Moa, the popular Bengal sweet got 10 year extension for its Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Joynagar Moa
- The moa is a popped-rice ball held together with fresh date-palm jaggery, extracted from the beginning of December till the end of February.
- Its manufacture is so synonymous with Joynagar, a settlement on the outskirts of Kolkata, that it earned the Geographical Indication tag of Joynagar Moa in 2015.
How is it made?
- A moa is made with khoi (puffed rice). The best ones are made with khoi from a rice variety known as kanakchur.
- It uses cardamom and Bengal’s legendary nolen gur (a liquid jaggery made from date palms and found only in winter).
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Kerala’s 5 agricultural products get GI Tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tag
Mains level: Contribution of GI tags in rural economy
Five agricultural products of Kerala have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status.
Which are the 5 GI products?
- These are the latest Geographical Indications that have been registered-
- Attappady Attukombu Avara: It cultivated in the Attappady region of Palakkad, is curved like a goat’s horn as its name indicates. Its higher anthocyanin content compared to other dolichos beans imparts violet colour in the stem and fruits. Anthocyanin is helpful against cardiovascular diseases along with its antidiabetic properties. Other than this, calcium, protein, and fibre content are also high. The higher phenolic content of imparts resistance against pest and diseases, making the crop suitable for organic cultivation.
- Attappady Thuvara: It is having seeds with white coat. Compared to other red grams, Attappady Thuvara seeds are bigger and have higher seed weight. This delicious red gram, which is used as vegetable and dal, is rich in protein, carbohydrate, fibre, calcium and magnesium.
- Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli (garlic): Compared to the garlic produced in other areas, this garlic contains higher amount of sulphides, flavonoids, and proteins. It is rich in allicin, which is effective against microbial infections, blood sugar, cancer, cholesterol, heart diseases, and damages to blood vessels. The garlic cultivated in this area is also rich in essential oil.
- Onattukara Ellu and its oil: It is famous for its unique health benefits. Relatively higher antioxidant content in Onattukara Ellu helps in fighting the free radicals, which destroy the body cells. Also, the high content of unsaturated fat makes it beneficial for heart patients.
- Kodungalloor Pottuvellari: It is cultivated in Kodungalloor and parts of Ernakulam is consumed as juice and in other forms. This snap melon, which is harvested in summer, is an excellent for quenching thirst. It contains high amount of Vitamin C. Compared to other cucurbits, nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, fibre and fat content are also high in that.
- The unique features of the products, imparted by the agro-climatic conditions of the geographical area of their production, are the basis for getting a GI tag.
What are the other GIs tags awarded?
Adding to the present collection of Geographical Indications (GIs), nine new items, including-
- Gamocha of Assam
- Tandur red gram of Telangana
- Raktsey Karpo apricot of Ladakh, and
- Alibag white onion of Maharashtra
Do you know?
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are states with the highest number of GI tags, followed by Kerala (35), Uttar Pradesh (34), and Maharashtra (31).
About GI Tag
- Recognised by the World Trade Organization (WTO), GI is used to denote the geographical territory from where a product, be it agricultural produce, natural product, or manufactured.
- It conveys the assurance of quality, distinctiveness, and attributes that are unique to that specific geographic region/place of origin.
- India became a signatory to this convention, when, as a member of WTO, it enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect on September 15, 2003.
- To protect the GI of goods, a GI registry has been established to administer the GI of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, under the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI tag sought for Beypore Uru
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Beypore Uru, GI Tags in news
Mains level: Not Much
The District Tourism Promotion Council, Kozhikode has applied for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the famous Beypore Uru (boat).
Beypore Uru
- Beypore Uru is a wooden dhow (ship / sailing boat / sailing vessel) handcrafted by skilled artisans and carpenters in Beypore, Kerala.
- They are a symbol of Kerala’s trade relations and friendship with the Gulf countries.
- It is purely made of premium wood, without using any modern techniques.
- The wood used is still sawed the traditional way which requires immense expertise.
- It takes anywhere between 1-4 years to build each Uru and the entire process is done manually.
Its historic significance
- Historical records show that Beypore has been a legendary maritime hub for traders from across the world since the 1st Century C.E.
- The iconic Uru ships have been in high demand for around 2000 years.
- The history of Khalasis, skilled natives engaged in launching the Uru boats at Beypore, dates back to 2000 years.
- The prominent people among them are Odayis. They manage the technical matters of ship building.
- Their family name comes from Odam (a type of small ship previously used in interactions/trade between the Malabar coast and Lakshadweep).
- They are also referred to as Mappila Khalasis as majority of them are Mappila Muslims.
Try this PYQ:
Q.With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement:
- They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
- They rear the Pashmina goats that yield fine wool.
- They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
A&N’s first application for GI tag for the Nicobari Hodi Craft
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nicobari Hodi, GI Tag
Mains level: Not Much
The Geographical Indications Registry at Chennai, has received an application from the Tribal Development Council, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, seeking the GI tag for the Nicobari hodi craft.
Why in news?
- This is the first application from the Union Territory seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for one its products.
About Nicobari Hodi Craft
- The hodi is the Nicobari tribe’s traditional craft.
- It is an outrigger canoe, very commonly operated in the Nicobar group of islands.
- The hodi is built using either locally available trees or from nearby islands, and its design varies slightly from island to island.
- Hodis are used for transporting people and goods from one island to another, for sending coconuts, for fishing and racing purposes.
- The tuhet, a group of families under a headman, consider the hodi an asset.
- Hodi races are held between islands and villages.
- The technical skills for building a hodi are based on indigenous knowledge inherited by the Nicobarese from their forefathers.
How many GI tags have been accorded so far?
- The Geographical Indications Registry, established in Chennai in September 2003, has received over 1,000 applications.
- An application seeking GI tag for the Banaras’ thandai (a beverage made with milk, dry fruits and spices) was the 1,000th application.
- Data shows that, as on date, around 1,015 applications have been filed at the Chennai office and of them, GI tags have been given to 422 products.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
In news: Pashmina Wool
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pashmina Wool
Mains level: Not Much
Traders of Pashmina shawls are complaining that “obsolete testing methods” have resulted in many of their export consignments being flagged for the presence of ‘Shahtoosh’ guard hair, which is obtained from endangered Tibetan antelopes.
Shahtoosh, on the other hand, is the fine undercoat fibre obtained from the Tibetan Antelope, known locally as ‘Chiru’, a species living mainly in the northern parts of the Changthang Plateau in Tibet.
What is Pashmina?
- Pashmina is a fine type of cashmere wool. The textiles made from it were first woven in Kashmir.
- The wool comes from a number of different breeds of the cashmere goat; such as the changthangi or Kashmir pashmina goat from the Changthang Plateau in Tibet and part of the Ladakh region and few parts of Himachal Pradesh.
- Often shawls called shahmina are made from this material in Kashmir and Nepal; these shawls are hand spun and woven from the very fine cashmere fibre.
- Traditional producers of pashmina wool are people known as the Changpa.
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for identification, marking and labelling of the already GI tagged Pashmina products to certify its purity.
About Pashmina goat
- The Changthangi or Pashmina goat is a special breed of goat indigenous to the high altitude regions of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.
- They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, known as Pashmina once woven. The Textiles are handspun and were first woven in Kashmir.
- The Changthangi goat grows a thick warn undercoat which is the source of Kashmir Pashmina wool – the world’s finest cashmere measuring between 12-15 microns in fiber thickness.
- These goats are generally domesticated and reared by nomadic communities called the Changpa in the Changthang region of Greater Ladakh.
- The Changthangi goats have revitalized the economy of Changthang, Leh and Ladakh region.
Try this PYQ:
Q.With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement:
- They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
- They rear the Pashmina goats that yield fine wool.
- They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI tag in news: Kashmir Saffron
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kashmir Saffron
Mains level: Not Much
The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir has organised a saffron festival in the Karewa of Pampore.
Saffron
- Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus”.
- The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food.
Kashmir Saffron
- It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) in some regions of Kashmir, including Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar.
- It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Its cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around 1st Century BCE. In ancient Sanskrit literature, saffron is referred to as ‘bahukam’.
- In 2020, the Centre issued a certificate of Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Saffron grown in the Kashmir Valley.
Major types
The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types —
- ‘Lachha Saffron’, with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing;
- ‘Mongra Saffron’, in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and
- ‘Guchhi Saffron’, which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread
Whats’ so special about Kashmir Saffron?
- The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
- It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.
Policy moves
- The National Saffron Mission (launched as a part of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) was sanctioned by the central government in the year 2010 in order to extend support for creation of irrigation facilities.
- It seeks to facilitate farmers with tube wells and sprinkler sets which would help in production of better crops in the area of saffron production.
- North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) under Saffron Bowl Project has identified few locations in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya for saffron cultivation.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Japan seeks GI tag for Nihonshu, an alcoholic beverage
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Tags in news
Mains level: Not Much
The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tag for nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage.
Why in news?
- It is learnt that this is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.
What is Nihonshu?
- Nihonshu is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from fermenting rice.
- People traditionally drink nihonshu on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings or funerals, but it is also consumed on a daily basis.
- Thus, it is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture in Japan.
- The sake market (almost all are nihonshu) is the second largest brewed liquor (such as beer) market in Japan.
How is it made?
- For making nihonshu three main raw materials – rice, koji-kin (a type of fungal spore) and water – are required.
- Its production follows an alcoholic fermentation method called parallel multiple fermentation and involves raw material treatment, koji making, starter culture making, mash making, pressing, heat sterilisation and bottling.
- The rice and koji used should originate in Japan.
Try this PYQ:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Mayurbhanj’s superfood ‘Ant Chutney’
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI indication
Mains level: Not Much
The Kai Chutney made from Red Ants by the tribals of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha are seeking a Geographical Indications (GI) tag.
Ant Chutney
- Despite this, weaver ants are popular among the people, mostly of the tribes,
- This food item, rich in proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, fibre and 18 amino acids, is known to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay.
- Applied under food category, the GI tag will help develop a structured hygiene protocol in the preparation of Kai chutney for standard wider use.
- Geographical Indications labels enhance the reputation and value of local products and support local businesses.
How is the Chutney prepared?
- Weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina, are abundantly found in Mayurbhanj throughout the year.
- They make nests with leaves of host trees.
- The chutney is prepared by mixing and grinding salt, ginger, garlic and chilly and is sold by tribal people in rural markets.
Answer this PYQ in the comment box:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Plea seeks GI tag for Arunachal Apatani textile product
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Apatani textile, GI tags
Mains level: Not Much
An application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the Arunachal Pradesh Apatani textile product has been filed by a firm.
Apatani textile
- The Apatani weave comes from the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh living at Ziro, the headquarters of lower Subansiri district.
- The woven fabric of this tribe is known for its geometric and zigzag patterns and also for its angular designs.
- The community weaves its own textiles for various occasions, including rituals and cultural festivals.
- The tribe predominantly weaves shawls known as jig-jiro and jilan or jackets called supuntarii.
- The traditional handloom of this tribe is a type of loin loom, which is called Chichin, and is similar to the traditional handloom of the Nyishi tribe.
What makes it special?
- The people here use different leaves and plant resources for organic dying the cotton yarns in their traditional ways.
- Only women folk are engaged in weaving.
Answer this PYQ in the comment box:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
About Geographical Indication
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Kallakurichi Wood Carvings and Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings get GI tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Geographical Indication
Mains level: Not Much
In Tamil Nadu, the Karuppur kalamkari paintings and the Kallakurichi wood carvings recently received the geographical indication (GI) tags.
[A] Kallakurichi Wood Carvings
- The Kallakurichi wood carvings are a unique form of wood carving practiced in Tamil Nadu.
- It involves the application of ornamentation and designs, derived from traditional styles by the craftsmen.
- They are mainly practiced in Kallakurichi, Chinnaselam and Thirukkovilur taluks of Kallakurichi district.
[B] Karuppur Kalamkari Paintings
- Kalamkari paintings are done on pure cotton cloth, predominantly used in temples for umbrella covers, cylindrical hangings, chariot covers and asmanagiri (false ceiling cloth pieces).
- Documentary evidence shows that kalamkari paintings evolved under the patronage of Nayaka rulers in the early 17th century.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
[pib] GI tagged sweet dish Mihidana
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI, Mihidana
Mains level: NA
The first consignment of GI-tagged sweet dish Mihidana sourced from Bardhaman, West Bengal has been exported to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
About Mihidana
- Mihidana, described as the micro cousin of the traditional Boondi, is derived from two words, Mihi meaning fine, and Dana, meaning grain.
- The dessert is made from powdered Kaminibhog, Gobindobhog and basmati rice, mixed with a small amount of gram flour and saffron for a golden colour.
- It is then blended with water by hand till its colour lightens.
- This mix is then poured through a brass ladle with tiny holes into a pot of ghee and deep-fried.
- The fine fried small rice-like grains are dipped in sugar syrup and drained once soaked.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
- The tag stands valid for 10 years.
Answer this PYQ in the comment box:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Post your answers here.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI ecosystem
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Geographical Indication, WTO, TRIPS
Mains level: Economic potential of GI Tagged products
This editorial discusses various economic and socio-cultural benefits offered by the Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging.
What is Geographical Indication?
- A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
- GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- GI is granted for a term of 10 years in India. As of today, more than 300 GI tags has been allocated so far in India (*Wikipedia).
Why must we promote GI?
Several studies show that the patents and copyright protection of products under GIs result in higher economic gains, fostering quality production and better distribution of profits.
- Lost in history: Most GI are either assigned to the dusty pages of history books or left to rural artisans to propagate and preserve.
- Source of income: Today, with the emphasis on climate change and sustainability, these products can be ready revenue generators.
- Demand in e-com market: A modern distribution system exists in India’s robust global e-commerce backbone which will propel the nascent GI industry onto the national and world stage.
Need for govt support
- GI products need the support of governments.
- The Europeans are masters at it, as seen by products such as Brie cheese and sparkling wine from Champagne. The EU has an $87 billion GI economy.
- China has also done very well by GI, strengthening e-commerce in rural areas and actively promoting agricultural special product brands in lesser developed areas.
Role of GI in China’s rise
- A 2017 UNCTAD report on inclusive growth and e-commerce deems China’s e-commerce-driven growth as inclusive.
- That means China has successfully empowered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to compete with large companies on the same stage, with no geographic boundaries.
- Likewise, despite a globally depressed market for wines, the produce from the Ningxia region of China saw exports surge 46.4 per cent in 2020, benefitting 211 wineries in Ningxia.
- The output value of GI producers in China totalled $92.771 billion as of 2020.
Socio-cultural benefits offered by GI
- GI protection has wider positive benefits, especially for local communities.
- In particular, it encourages the preservation of biodiversity, local know-how and natural resources. And this is where India can do well.
- Multiple benefits flows from a strong GI ecosystem, which can be a wellspring of economic and soft power.
- It will automatically resolve the three fraught India issues of poor pay for talent, low female participation in the labour force, and urban migration.
How can GI induce economic transformation?
(1) Promotes Entrepreneurship and ‘Passion Economy’
- It will convert talent into entrepreneurship with gig workers, and create a “passion” economy, that is, a new way for individuals to monetise their skills and scale their businesses exponentially.
- It removes the hurdles associated with freelance work to earn a regular income from a source other than an employer.
(2) Employment generation
- The labour-intensive nature of GI offers the best solution to boosting the employment-to-population ratio in India.
- India presently has an abysmal 43 per cent compared with the 55 per cent global average.
(3) Women Empowerment
- GI production mostly involves artisanal work-from-home culture.
- Monetising this artisanal work done at home will increase India’s low female labour force participation rate, which at 21 per cent in 2019 was half the 47 per cent global average.
(4) Prevents migration
- The hyper-localised nature of GI offers solutions to reverse urban migration and conserve India’s ancient crafts, culture and food.
(5) MSME Promotion
- A rejuvenation of MSMEs, which account for 31 per cent of India’s GDP and 45 per cent of exports, will follow.
- An estimated 55.80 million MSMEs employ close to 130 million people; of this, 14 per cent are women-led enterprises and 59.5 per cent are rural.
(6) GI Tourism
- Another revenue-earner, GI tourism, is typically a by-product of a strong GI ecosystem.
Hurdles in GIs progress
(1) Credit Facilities and Capacity Building
- Since GI businesses are micro, it is necessary to address the challenges of capacity-building, formal or easy access to credit.
- There is a need for forming marketing linkages, research and development, product innovation and competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
(2) Issue of Intermediaries
- With the shift to digital platforms, the distribution margins of these gate keepers or mandi agents must be competitive.
- They often act as countervailing agents by getting into similar businesses or product lines which will erode GI producer incomes.
(3) Ensuring smoother transition
- As seen from the experience of the new farm laws, this will be a task for the central and state governments; they must ensure the transition without breaking down too many existing linkages.
Way forward
- Control: Guardrails like regular audits and consultations with the GI producers must be mandated.
- Cooperative management: Pulling it together will be local GI cooperative bodies or associations which can be nationally managed by a GI board.
- Ministerial support: The Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Ministry of Commerce department should be tasked with developing this new sector.
- Digital literacy: Finally, a required skill for GI producers is digital literacy. This should be a priority agenda item for NGOs and stakeholders like the DPIIT.
Conclusion
- It is an opportunity for India to redefine the future of work using automation, technology and artificial intelligence while simultaneously enhancing and adorning the country’s talented local work force.
- The Indian GI economy can be a platform for India to showcase to the world a model for ethical capitalism, social entrepreneurship, de-urbanisation, and bringing women to the workforce, on the back of a robust digital system.
- It recalls and attributes of multi-cultural ethos, authenticity, and ethnic diversity are potential turbochargers for the country’s economy.
- It encompasses the concept of trusteeship, as advocated by Mahatma Gandhi and more recently, by our PM at the UN. It is truly Made in India.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI in news: Goa Cashew Feni
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cashew Feni, other GI tags in news
Mains level: NA
The Goa government’s Feni Policy 2021 has paved the way to take the state’s ‘heritage drink’ forward.
Sounds strange but an alcoholic beverage has been GI tagged!
Goa Cashew Feni
- Feni is a spirit produced in Goa, India.
- The two most popular types of feni are cashew feni and toddy palm feni, depending on the original ingredient; however, many other varieties are sold.
- Feni distilleries are usually family-run affairs, and the history of the drink goes back to at least 1585.
- The feni consumed in South Goa is generally of higher alcohol content (43-45% abv) as compared to the feni produced in North Goa.
- Commercially packaged feni is available at 42.8% abv.
- Cashew feni was awarded Geographical Indication registration in 2009 as a speciality alcoholic beverage from Goa.
- It has been described as a colourless, clear liquid that when matured in wooden barrels develops golden brown tint.
Must read
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
[pib] King Chilli ‘Raja Mircha’ from Nagaland exported to London
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raja Mircha
Mains level: Geographical Indication (GI)
In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) products from the north-eastern region, a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’ also referred to as king chili from Nagaland was exported to London via Guwahati by air for the first time.
Raja Mircha
- The King chili from Nagaland is also referred to as Bhoot Jolokia and Ghost pepper.
- It got GI certification in 2008.
- Raja Mircha contains Scoville Heat Units (SHUs) which makes it the world’s hottest chili.
- It belongs to the genus Capsicum of the family Solanaceae.
- It has been considered as the world’s hottest chili and is constantly on the top five in the list of the world’s hottest chilies based on the SHUs.
Answer this PYQ in the comment box:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- The World Intellectual Property Organization defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines, and spirit drinks.
- Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- They have also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
[pib] Export of GI certified Bhalia Wheat
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhalia Wheat
Mains level: Popularity of GI goods
In a major boost to wheat exports, the first shipment of Geographical Indication (GI) certified Bhalia variety of wheat was exported today to Kenya and Sri Lanka from Gujarat.
Bhalia Wheat
- The GI certified wheat has high protein content and is sweet in taste.
- The crop is grown mostly across Bhal region of Gujarat which includes Ahmadabad, Anand, Kheda, Bhavanagar, Surendranagar, Bharuch districts.
- The unique characteristic of the wheat variety is that grown in the rainfed condition without irrigation and cultivated in around two lakh hectares of agricultural land in Gujarat.
- The Bhalia variety of wheat received GI certification in July, 2011.
- The registered proprietor of GI certification is Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat.
Answer this PYQ in the comment box:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
- Banaras Brocades and Sarees
- Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
- Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- The World Intellectual Property Organization defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines and spirit drinks.
- Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- They have also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
[pib] Shahi Litchi from Bihar exported to the UK
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI tags, Shahi Litchi
Mains level: Not Much
In a major boost to the export of GI-certified products, the season’s first consignment of Shahi Litchi from Bihar was exported to the United Kingdom by the air route.
Shahi Litchi
- India is the second-largest producer of litchi (Litchi chin) in the world, after China.
- The translucent, flavored aril or edible flesh of the litchi is popular as a table fruit in India, while in China and Japan it is preferred in dried or canned form.
- Shahi litchi was the fourth agricultural product to get GI certification from Bihar in 2018, after Jardalu mango, Katarni rice, and Magahi paan.
- GI registration for Shahi Litchi is held with the Muzaffarpur-based Litchi Growers Association of Bihar.
- Muzzafarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Champaran, Begusarai districts and adjoining areas of Bihar have favorable climate for growing Shahi Litchi.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- The World Intellectual Property Organisation defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines and spirit drinks.
- Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- They have also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
[pib] GI certified Gholvad Sapota
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI tags in news
Mains level: Not Much
In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indication (GI) certified products, a consignment of Dahanu Gholvad Sapota from the Palghar district of Maharashtra was shipped to the United Kingdom.
Gholvad Sapota
- GI certification of Ghovad Sapota is held by Maharashtra Rajya Chikoo Utpadak Sangh and the fruit is known for its sweet and unique taste.
- It is believed that the unique taste is derived from the calcium-rich soil of Gholvad village.
- Currently, in the Palgahr district, around 5000 hectares of land is under sapota or plantation.
- Sapota is grown in many states- Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
- Karnataka is known to be the highest grower of the fruit, followed by Maharashtra.
Do you know?
Earlier this month, a consignment of 2.5 Metric Tonne of GI certified Banganapalli & Survarnarekha mangoes sourced from farmers in Krishna & Chittor districts of Andhra Pradesh was exported to South Korea.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- The World Intellectual Property Organisation defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines and spirit drinks.
- Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- They have also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Himachal wants GI status for five products
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI tags in news
Mains level: Importance of GI tags
The Himachal Pradesh government is trying to obtain GIs for five products from the state – Karsog Kulth, Thangi of Pangi, Chamba Metal Crafts, Chamba Chukh, and Rajmah of Bharmour.
Read more about GIs at:
Which are the five HP products?
- Karsog Kulth: Kulthi or Kulth (horse gram) is a legume grown as a kharif crop in Himachal Pradesh. Kulth grown in the Karsog area of Mandi district is believed to be particularly rich in amino acids.
- Pangi ki Thangi: It is a type of hazelnut which grows in Pangi valley located in the northwestern edge of Himachal. It is known for its unique flavour and sweetness.
- Chamba metal crafts: These include items such as metal idols and brass utensils which, historically, were made by skilled artisans in the courts of kings of Chamba. There are efforts to revive the trade, and a plate made from a brass-like alloy and having carvings of gods and goddesses is still popular.
- Chamba Chukh: It’s a chutney made from green and red chillies grown in Chamba, and prepared in traditional and unique ways. The practice has largely declined in rural households of Chamba, but survives to some extent at the small-scale industrial level.
- Bharmouri Rajmah: It’s more specifically called the Kugtalu Rajmah, since it grows in the area around Kugti Pass in the Bharmour region of Chamba district. It is rich in proteins and has a unique flavor.
How many registered GIs does Himachal currently have?
- They are eight in number.
- It includes four handicrafts (Kullu Shawl, Chamba Rumal, Kinnauri Shawl and Kangra Paintings).
- There are three agricultural products (Kangra Tea, Basmati and Himachali Kala Zeera) and one manufactured product (Himachali Chulli Oil).
- Kullu Shawl and Kangra Tea were the first to be registered in 2005-06.
- Basmati has been registered jointly from seven states of North India, including Himachal Pradesh.
- Chulli (apricot) oil and kala jeera (cumin), mainly associated with Kinnaur and known for their medicinal properties, were the last to be registered in 2018-19.
How does a GI tag help?
- A GI tag provides a better market for these products and prevents misuse of the name.
- A GI registration is given to an area, not a trader, but once a product gets the registration, traders dealing in the product can apply for selling it with the GI logo.
- Authorised traders are each assigned a unique GI number. For example, Kullu shawl has 135 authorised traders. A shawl made in Ludhiana cannot be sold as a Kullu shawl.
- If any unauthorised trader, even from Kullu, tries to sell a shawl under the name of Kullu shawl, he or she can be prosecuted under The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- GIs are also expected to boost or revive the items whose production has declined, as is being aimed in the case of Chamba Chukh and metal crafts.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
- The World Intellectual Property Organisation defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
- GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines and spirit drinks.
- Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- They are also covered under the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- Presently, there are 370 registered GIs in India.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
In news: Channapatna Toys
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI Indications in news
Mains level: NA
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a crippling blow to the Channapatna Toys industry.
Must read:
Channapatna Toys
- Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys (and dolls) that are manufactured in the town of Channapatna in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
- This traditional craft is protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, administered by the state govt.
- As a result of the popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru (toy-town) of Karnataka.
- Traditionally, the work involved lacquering the wood of the Wrightia tinctoria tree, colloquially called Aale mara (ivory-wood).
- Their manufacture goes back at least 200 years according to most accounts and it has been traced to the era of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan in the 18th century.
- The toys are laced with vegetable dyes and colours devoid of chemicals and hence they are safe for children.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indications in India
- A Geographical Indication is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
- This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
- Recently the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the logo and tagline for the Geographical Indications (GI) of India.
- The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) is a sui generis Act for the protection of GI in India.
- India, as a member of the WTO enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
- GI protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Kashmir saffron gets GI certificate
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kashmir Saffron
Mains level: Not Much
The J&K administration has issued the certificate of geographical indication (GI) registration for saffron grown in the Kashmir Valley.
Must read:
Kashmir saffron
- It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) in some regions of Kashmir, including Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar.
- It is a very precious and costly product. Iran is the largest producer of saffron and India is a close competitor.
- It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
- It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around 1st Century BCE. In ancient Sanskrit literature, saffron is referred to as ‘bahukam’.
3 Types
The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types —
- ‘Lachha Saffron’, with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing;
- ‘Mongra Saffron’, in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and
- ‘Guchhi Saffron’, which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread
Whats’ so special about Kashmir Saffron?
- The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
- It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI tag for Sohrai Khovar painting, Telia Rumal
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Telia Rumal, Sohrai Khovar painting
Mains level: Not Much
Jharkhand’s Sohrai Khovar painting and Telangana’s Telia Rumal were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.
This year, many GI tags have been allocated. A few of them to count are- Kashmir saffron, Manipur black rice, Gorakhpur terracotta, Kovilpatti kadalai mittai etc. Check here for more.
Sohrai Khovar painting
- The Sohrai Khovar painting is a traditional and ritualistic mural art being practised by local tribal women in the area of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.
- The painting is primarily being practised only in the district of Hazaribagh. However, in recent years, for promotional purposes, it has been seen in other parts of Jharkhand.
- It is prepared during local harvest and marriage seasons using local, naturally available soils of different colours in the area.
- Traditionally painted on the walls of mud houses, they are now seen on other surfaces, too.
- The style features a profusion of lines, dots, animal figures and plants, often representing religious iconography.
- In recent years, the walls of important public places in Jharkhand, such as the Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, and the Hazaribagh and Tatanagar Railway Stations, among others, have been decorated with these paintings.
Telia Rumal
- Telia Rumal cloth involves intricate handmade work with cotton loom displaying a variety of designs and motifs in three particular colours — red, black and white.
- The Rumal can only be created using the traditional handloom process and not by any other mechanical means as otherwise, the very quality of the Rumal would be lost.
- During the Nizam’s dynasty, Puttapaka, a small, backward village of the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh had about 20 families engaged in handloom weaving, who were patronized by rich families and the Nizam rulers.
- The officers working in the court of the Nizam would wear the Chituki Telia Rumal as a symbolic representation of status.
- Telia Rumals were worn as a veil by princesses at the erstwhile court of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and as a turban cloth by Arabs in the Middle East.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indications in India
- A Geographical Indication is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
- This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
- Recently the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the logo and tagline for the Geographical Indications (GI) of India.
- The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) is a sui generis Act for protection of GI in India.
- India, as a member of the WTO enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
- Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
Kashmir saffron gets GI tag
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kashmir Saffron
Mains level: GI tags and their significance
Kashmir saffron has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.
Must read:
Kashmir saffron
- It is cultivated and harvested in the Karewa (highlands) in some regions of Kashmir, including Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar.
- It is a very precious and costly product. Iran is the largest producer of saffron and India is a close competitor.
- It rejuvenates health and is used in cosmetics and for medicinal purposes.
- It has been associated with traditional Kashmiri cuisine and represents the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Saffron cultivation is believed to have been introduced in Kashmir by Central Asian immigrants around 1st Century BCE. In ancient Sanskrit literature, saffron is referred to as ‘bahukam’.
3 Types
The saffron available in Kashmir is of three types —
- ‘Lachha Saffron’, with stigmas just separated from the flowers and dried without further processing;
- ‘Mongra Saffron’, in which stigmas are detached from the flower, dried in the sun and processed traditionally; and
- ‘Guchhi Saffron’, which is the same as Lachha, except that the latter’s dried stigmas are packed loosely in air-tight containers while the former has stigmas joined together in a bundle tied with a cloth thread
Whats’ so special about Kashmir Saffron?
- The unique characteristics of Kashmir saffron are its longer and thicker stigmas, natural deep-red colour, high aroma, bitter flavour, chemical-free processing, and high quantity of crocin (colouring strength), safranal (flavour) and picrocrocin (bitterness).
- It is the only saffron in the world grown at an altitude of 1,600 m to 1,800 m AMSL (above mean sea level), which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available the world over.
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GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags
GI tag to Manipur black rice, Gorakhpur terracotta and Kovilpatti kadalai mittai
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GI mentioned in the news
Mains level: Not Much
Chak-Hao, the black rice of Manipur and the Gorakhpur terracotta and the Kovilpatti kadalai mittai of Tamil Nadu have bagged the Geogrphical Indication (GI) tag.
Must read: GI Tags in news for 2020 Prelims
Chak-Hao
- Chak-Hao, the scented glutinous rice which has been in cultivation in Manipur over centuries.
- It is characterized by its special aroma. It is normally eaten during community feasts and is served as Chak-Hao kheer.
- The application for Chak-Hao was filed by the Consortium of Producers of Chak-Hao (Black Rice), Manipur and was facilitated by the Department of Agriculture.
- Chak-Hao has also been used by traditional medical practitioners as part of traditional medicine.
- According to the GI application filed, this rice takes the longest cooking time of 40-45 minutes due to the presence of a fibrous bran layer and higher crude fibre content.
- At present, the traditional system of Chak-Hao cultivation is practised in some pockets of Manipur.
- Direct sowing of pre-soaked seeds and also transplantation of rice seedlings raised in nurseries in puddled fields are widely practised in the State’s wetlands.
Gorakhpur terracotta
- The terracotta work of Gorakhpur is a centuries-old traditional art form, where the potters make various animal figures like, horses, elephants, camel, goat, ox, etc. with hand-applied ornamentation.
- The application was filed by Laxmi Terracotta Murtikala Kendra in Uttar Pradesh.
- Some of the major products of craftsmanship include the Hauda elephants, Mahawatdar horse, deer, camel, five-faced Ganesha, singled-faced Ganesha, elephant table, chandeliers, hanging bells etc.
- The entire work is done with bare hands and artisans use natural colour, which stays fast for a long time.
- There are more than 1,000 varieties of terracotta work designed by the local craftsmen.
- The craftsmen are mainly spread over the villages of Aurangabad, Bharwalia, Langadi Gularia, Budhadih, Amawa, Ekla etc. in Bhathat and Padri Bazar, Belwa Raipur, Jungle Ekla No-1, Jungle Ekla No-2 in Chargawan block of Gorakhpur.
Kovilpatti kadalai mittai
- It is a candy made of peanuts held together with glistening syrup, and topped with wisps of grated coconut dyed pink, green and yellow.
- It is made using all natural ingredients such as the traditional and special ‘vellam’ (jaggery) and groundnuts and water from the river Thamirabarani is used in the production, which enhances the taste naturally.
- It is manufactured in Kovilpatti and adjacent towns and villages in Thoothukudi district.
- It is produced by using both groundnuts and jaggery (organic jaggery), in carefully selected quantities from selected specific locations in Tamil Nadu.
Back2Basics: Geographical Indications in India
- A Geographical Indication is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
- This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
- Recently the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the logo and tagline for the Geographical Indications (GI) of India.
- The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) is a sui generis Act for protection of GI in India.
- India, as a member of the WTO enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
- Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement
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GI status is an indication that identifies goods as produced from a particular area, which has special quality or reputation attributable to its geographical origin.
India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15 September 2003
The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographic territory) are allowed to use the popular product name.
In India, a GI’s registry operates in Chennai in accordance with the provisions of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999, which came into effect in September 2003.
India has 236 GI products registered so far and over 270 more products have applied for the label. Let’s take a look at 10 such geographical indicators in India.
To follow up with latest developments on GI tags –