Bhaderwah Rajma and Ramban Sulai honey of Jammu and Kashmir were granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jammu started the GI tagging process for these products.GI tag provides exclusive use rights to authorized users while preventing unauthorized exploitation.This recognition is expected to increase exports, increase brand presence internationally and prevent misuse.The GI tag is set to benefit local economies and promote socioeconomic development for producers.
What is GI Tag
- A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign given to products coming from a specific geographical location.
- GIs certify that products are made using traditional methods or have specific qualities due to their origin.
- It is used for food, handicrafts and industrial products.
- The GI tag ensures that only authorized users can use the product name.
Who grants and regulates Geographical Indications
- These are a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) recognized and protected under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) provides a framework for the protection of GIs at the international level.
- In India, registration and protection of GIs is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect in September 2003.