GI Tagged Products: Unleashing the Economic

Potential of India's Collective Heritage

India, the nation takes great pride in its rich cultural and traditional heritage, which is reflected in its diverse range of
unique products. In recent years, the Government of India has been steadfast in its efforts to acquire Geographical
Indication (GI) tags for distinctive products belonging to every nook and corner of the country, a testament to its
unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage. As consumer trends worldwide
indicate that there is great demand for authentic, place-specific items, India's push for GI tags for its products is a
strategic move towards leveraging this potential and establishing itself as a leading exporter of superior, one-of-a-kind
goods.

What is Geographical Indication (GI)?

"Geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a
reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given
place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of
origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and
its original place of production," according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Geographical
indications are widely recognised as a vital component of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), as affirmed by Articles 1(2)
and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, as well as the Trade-Related Intellectual Property
Rights (TRIPRs) under Articles 22 to 24.

Basic Utility of GI Tags

Geographic indications serve as a valuable tool for identifying agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods that originate
from a specific geographic area. These products acquire a unique reputation in the market, borne out of the combined
efforts of nature and human ingenuity, developed over a significant period of time in history. However, there are
instances where unscrupulous traders pass off goods from other sources as genuine products from a specific region. This
practice is not only an affront to the artisans who have honed their skills in cultivating or manufacturing these authentic
goods, but also to the consumers who have come to trust and appreciate the quality and authenticity of such goods.

To curb such malpractices, a number of regulations have been established at both the international and national levels.
These regulations aim to safeguard the unique identities of products, preserve their quality, and promote their
recognition and appreciation within the global community while protecting the interests of producers and consumers
alike.

Benefits of GI

• Intellectual Property Rights Protection: GI tagging provides legal protection to the producers of the product,
preventing others from using the name or reputation of the product without permission. This can help to
prevent counterfeiting and piracy, which can harm the reputation of the product and the local economy. By
protecting the intellectual property rights of producers, GI tagging ensures that they receive fair compensation
for their efforts and investments in creating unique and high-quality products.
• Brand Equity:

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The objective of Geographic Indications , the indigenous know-how of local communities, is to create a visibility and
thereby create a premium pricing for the goods protected as GIs. The communities are expected to leverage from this
commercial edge over non-GI products and create their own brand equity for local products.

• Increased Market Value: GI tagging enhances the market value of products by providing consumers with a
guarantee of authenticity and quality. This can lead to increased demand for the product, resulting in higher
prices and profitability for producers.
• Protecting Cultural Heritage, Facilitating Sustainable Rural Development: GI tagging can help to promote rural
development by encouraging the use of traditional production methods and supporting local communities. This
can lead to increased employment opportunities and income for rural producers while promoting sustainable
development
• Protection of Biodiversity: GI tagging can help to protect biodiversity by promoting the use of traditional farming
practices and preserving local ecosystems. This can lead to the conservation of rare and endangered species, as
well as the protection of natural resources and landscapes.

Role of GI in Promoting Tourism

It is widely acknowledged by experts that Geographical Indications play an indispensable role in bolstering tourism. A
prime example of this is Kerala, which attracts a vast number of tourists from both within and outside India due to the
unique products and experiences it has to offer. Visitors to Kerala are assured of obtaining original, high-quality GI-
tagged products such as spices, handicrafts, and fabrics, which only adds to the appeal of this popular holiday
destination.

Taking cue from Kerala, many states governments are collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to
create packages for visiting destinations that are home to GIaccredited products. Additionally, several state governments
are setting up GI kiosks at railway stations and airports to display and sell GI products, thereby giving a further impetus to
the promotion of GI-tagged items and the tourism industry.

Moreover, during the recently concluded Budget session of Parliament, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
announced that 50 tourist destinations will be selected through challenge mode to be developed as a whole package for
domestic and international tourism. As part of this initiative, states will be encouraged to set up a 'Unity Mall' in the state
capital or the most popular tourist destination in the state for the promotion and sale of 'One District, One Product' and
GI products and other handicrafts.

Clearly, such efforts are poised to bolster the economy and enhance the image of India as a destination for quality
products and unique experiences.

Schemes and Initiatives for Promotion of GI

India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration
& Protection) Act, 1999, that came into force with effect from 15th September 2003. Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian
product to get the GI tag. As on December 2022, India has registered over 432 GIs, including famous products like
Basmati Rice, Mysore Silk, Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, Bikaneri Bhujia, Kolhapuri Chappal etc. These products have gained
recognition and popularity not only in different corners of the country but also around the world.
The government has launched various schemes and programs to encourage the production and marketing of products
worthy of GI tagging. The most significant of those schemes are:
Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)

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The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has made commendable initiatives under SFURTI in
organising traditional industries and artisans into clusters to make them competitive and provide support for their
longterm sustainability. The scheme aims to provide sustained employment for traditional industry artisans and rural
entrepreneurs while enhancing the marketability of products of such clusters by providing support for new products,
design intervention, and improved packaging. The focus has been on equipping traditional artisans of the associated
clusters with improved skills and capabilities through training and exposure visits. The provision of common facilities and
improved tools and equipment for artisans is another laudable initiative being undertaken under this scheme. The
common facilities provide support for the registration and protection of Geographical Indications for traditional products.

By promoting the use of modern technology in traditional industries, the scheme has set the ball rolling for sustainable
linkages between traditional industries and markets. In the long run, these initiatives would create opportunities for the
development of new products and designs in traditional industries, and with the right marketing support and assistance,
local industries can churn out more GI Tag-worthy products.

One District One Product

India's One District One Product (ODOP) programme is an initiative aimed at promoting traditional and indigenous
products from each district of the country. The scheme is designed to provide support to local artisans, entrepreneurs,
and producers in developing and marketing their products. Furthermore, the ODOP is in conjunction with the mission to
reach out to the unpenetrated areas in states and identify products that qualify for a GI tag. The ODOP scheme has
helped increase the domestic as well as global demand for such products by promoting them as unique and high-quality
items.
Aligned with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the scheme has helped immensely in removing export bottlenecks by
developing export value chains, reducing logistics costs, and enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to export as
a part of a cluster/group.
Open Network for Digital Commerce
India's Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has the potential to become a thriving marketplace for the ODOP
scheme, which partly mandates promotion of unique products that have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
With the launch of the Open Network for Digital Commerce, these products can be seamlessly connected with potential
buyers and customers from across the country and beyond. The digital platform can help to create a level playing field for
small and medium-sized enterprises, enabling them to access a wider market and realise the full potential of their
products. By leveraging the power of digital technology, the ODOP scheme can not only promote the economic growth of
individual districts, but also contribute to the larger goal of boosting India's export potential and establishing itself as a
leading exporter of high-quality, region-specific products. Though currently in its nascent stage, ONDC has the potential
to serve as a game-changer for India's unique products, unlocking new opportunities for growth and development for
traditional industries.
Unleashing Export Potential of GI Products
➢ During FY 2023, India's exports recorded an all time high of US$750 billion, compared to US$500 billion the
previous year. Undoubtedly, the Government of India has undertaken a multitude of initiatives over the years to
elevate the nation's exports to such unprecedented heights. These initiatives encompassed the introduction of
policies, provision of incentives for manufacturing, relaxation of export procedures, and various other measures
aimed at boosting exports. However, the government has not rested on its laurels and has recently taken further
steps to enhance exports, such as the certification of highquality agricultural products with their respective
geographical indications. Undeniably, this is a commendable stride in the direction of improving exports, and it is
poised to yield significant dividends for the Indian economy.

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 ➢ Under the Districts Export Action Plans, products and services (including GI products, agricultural clusters, toy
clusters etc.) with export potential are identified in all districts of the country. Robust export plans are prepared
for identified products and services for overseas markets, which includes specific actions required to support
local exporters/manufacturers in producing/ manufacturing identified products in adequate quantity and
requisite quality, for reaching potential buyers outside India. These plans also include identifying and addressing
challenges for exports of such identified products/ services, improving supply chains, market accessibility and
handholding for increasing exports.
➢ The Government of India has set up a dedicated office by the name of Intellectual Property - India for the
registration and protection of GIs, which operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT) provides insights for producers on the benefits of GI tagging and lends guidance and support in the
registration of unique products. The office also helps to ensure that the legal framework for the protection of GIs
is robust and effective.
➢ Various export promotion bodies have been mandated with the responsibility of exploring markets for GI tagged
products. The bodies include the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
and other export bodies such as Commodity Boards, Export Development Authorities, the Federation of Indian
Export Organisations (FIEO), and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA)
➢ Over the last few years, the Government of India has taken additional measures to promote and market GI
tagged products. The initiatives include virtual buyer-seller meets on agricultural and food products GI with
countries like the UAE, USA, and Qatar in association with the Indian Missions.
➢ APEDA has been facilitating the export of GI food and agricultural products to different destinations, including
Naga Mircha (King Chilli) from Nagaland to the UK, Black Rice from Manipur to the UK, Assam Lemon to the UK
and Italy, and three GI varieties of Mango (Fazli, Khirsapati, and Laxmanbhog) from West Bengal and one GI
variety of Mango (Zardalu) from Bihar to Bahrain and Qatar. APEDA also organises in-store promotional
programmes in importing countries in association with foreign retailers to enhance exports.
➢ The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) organises the "India Geographical
Indications (GI) Fair" every year through the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) to promote GI
products in India and abroad. DPIIT also sets up pavilion for GI products in the India International Trade Fair
(IITF), Delhi, and organises various GI Promotion Programmes/ Exhibitions/ Conferences/ Buyer Seller Meets/
Workshops with a focus on GI Products to boost their sales in India and abroad.
Conclusion
➢ The government's initiatives have yielded significant results, with the number of GI registrations in India steadily
increasing over the years. As of 31st March 2023, a total of 465 Indian products enjoyed GI protection. This
number is expected to grow as more producers become aware of the benefits of GI and the government
continues to promote and support the registration process.
➢ India's rich tapestry of traditions, cultures, and natural resources is evident in the country's artisanal handicrafts
and agricultural commodities. With vast agricultural resources yielding a variety of fruits and crops every season,
each Indian state boasts its own unique variations of crops and fruits. Geographical Indications have emerged as
an effective tool for protecting the legitimacy of agricultural products, handicrafts, and foodstuffs produced in
India. As the importance of GI tags continues to grow, India is making significant efforts to enforce legal
protection of Indian GI products.
➢ Institutions and agencies are devising effective marketing strategies to popularise GItagged products and
promote the country's 'Aatma Nirbhar' and "Vocal for Local" missions. With a renewed focus on promoting and
protecting the interests of Indian producers and consumers, the country is poised to reap significant dividends
from its vast array of GI products. Indeed, India's efforts to safeguard the rights of GI stakeholders and promote
the use of GI products have the potential to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development,
while also preserving the country's rich cultural heritage
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