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GI tag- Unlocking GI Potential

 


In a remote Tamil Nadu village, the announcement of prestigious GI Tags for four crops rang out on a rain-soaked November evening. Cumbum paneer grapes, Athur and Sholavandhan betel leaves, and Kanyakumari matti banana received this honour, promising a new era of enhanced export potential. Karthik, captivated by the news, pondered the agricultural possibilities before reluctantly leaving the TV for dinner, thoughts lingering.

The next day, Karthik discussed the transformative prospects of these crops with friends Akhil and Adarsh. Akhil, burdened by previous crop losses and debt, found hope in Karthik's suggestion: cultivating these GI Tagged crops for potential prosperity. Eager for insights, they sought advice from Pranay, an expert in agriculture, converging at his residence to find solutions to their uncertainties.

The trio approached Pranay and asked the same, then Pranay explained them about GI Tags as, A geographical indication (GI) tag serves as a marker or a nameplate, which is used on certain products to show to the user that the food material is from a specific geographical location. The use of GI tags started in the Indian subcontinent. GI tags were first applied on Darjeeling tea (in 2004–2005.)

Its origin traces back to Article 22.1 of the TRIPS Agreement which protects products based on origin & qualities. Being a signatory to the WTO, India enacted the GI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999 to accord legal protection to the goods that were of a particular region and has qualities unique to them. The act came into force on 15th September 2003. GI or Geographical Indication of goods are defined under section 2(1)(e) of the said act. The good is legally protected for a period of 10 years initially which may be renewed as per relevant law at a later date.

GI tags are food's passport, protecting unique regional traditions like IPR. They ensure food's origin and quality, with penalties for imitators. Beyond proof of place, they guarantee time-honoured practices, resulting in distinct flavours and aromas—a taste of the land itself.

To obtain a GI Tag in India, the process involves submitting an application with fees to the Geographic Indication Registrar, undergoing preliminary scrutiny, and receiving judgment from the Registrar. The approved application is published in the GI Journal, allowing for objections. Upon resolution of objections, registration follows, which requires renewal after the initial period. An appeal process is available for any disputes or concerns.

The export value of GI-tagged products from India stood at a staggering USD 4.3 billion in 2022-23, marking a significant 285% increase from USD 1.5 billion in 2017-18. Basmati rice, the crown jewel of India's GI-tagged exports, saw its export value reach USD 4.71 billion in 2018-19, a 47% increase from the previous year and other notable GI-tagged export successes include Darjeeling tea (USD 250 million), Kanchipuram silk sarees (USD 100 million), and Alphonso mangoes (USD 50 million).

Presently, there are around 401 products which include approximately 134 agriculture products with GI Tags, and Karnataka leads the list with approximately 48 such tags.

When asked about challenges Pranay told them, While India's GI-tagged exports are booming, challenges like low awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and IP infringements require continued educational efforts, infrastructure upgrades, and stricter enforcement to fully unlock the potential of this heritage-rich sector.

Karthik expressed concerns about potential issues with unseasonal rainfall in cultivating the newly designated GI Tagged crops. Pranay reassured them, emphasizing the promising financial rewards of cultivating these crops while stressing the importance of staying updated on weather forecasts. He advised employing advanced cultivation technologies, adhering to recommended practices, and maintaining consistent monitoring of forecasts to ensure optimal yields and profitable returns.

Pranay's guidance spurred them to plant esteemed GI Tagged crops. With meticulous planning and dedication, they sowed hope, watching their optimism bloom daily. The harvest marked their triumph: Akhil cleared his debts, while Karthik and Adarsh revelled in newfound prosperity. Uncertainty faded, replaced by fulfilment and success—a testament to their unwavering determination and fruitful efforts.

 

Location: NAARM Campus, Acharya Ng Ranga Agricultural University, Rajendranagar mandal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500030, India

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