GI tags : A long road ahead

Geographical Indication (GI) has come as a saviour for many farmers, traders and manufacturers. Under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, farmers can now get tags – called geographical indication tag (GI tag) – for their products. These products have to be produced in a defined region and must possess some distinct qualities that help to differentiate them from similar products from a different region.Mysore pak, Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice, Nagpur orange and Mysore silk are some of the products that have been granted GI tags. With the help of this tag, farmers and producers can now get their products marked as exclusive. This not only helps the farmers but also the consumers as they now have a tag of authenticity that they can trust without batting an eyelid.

“For example, the Kovalpatti(peanut) Kadalai mittai from Thoothukudi district in Tamil Nadu. If its name was to be used by someone who is not making it of the same quality, of the same type and by the same process which is registered in the GI registry, then a lawsuit can be filed to contest that. The government and the authorities are now focusing on the farmers and producers and are striving hard to enlighten them about GI tags: the ways in which they can be used and their various other benefits. If used well enough, GI tags can help boost a state’s or, at large, a country’s economy. GI tags hold immense potential and need to be further explored,” said Srutanjay Narayanan, an IAS officer.

GI Tags can help SMEs to enhance reputation of their goods, Help in building consumer confidence, communicate their commitment to social responsibility and Support regional economic development. India is paying heed to the economic potential of a GI tag. In the international markets, the demand for Indian mangoes and other handicraft and art items is increasing and checks are being carried out by the government before the delivery of the shipments.India’s GI-tagged products will see a phenomenal rise soon and will play a vital role in shoring up the economy of the country.

Source : https://smefutures.com/gi-tags-a-long-road-ahead/