Geographical Indication (GI) tags in India are vital for protecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and promoting authentic regional products. These tags serve as a recognition of the unique qualities and reputation that certain goods possess due to their specific geographical origin. The implementation of GI tags in India has had a profound impact on preserving traditional knowledge, enhancing economic opportunities for local communities, and ensuring the authenticity of various products in the market.
Understanding GI Tags in India
GI tags are a form of intellectual property right that links a product to a specific location, emphasizing its distinct characteristics and heritage. In India, GI tags are awarded to a wide range of products, including agricultural goods, handicrafts, textiles, and even food items. The purpose of these tags is to protect and promote products that have a strong connection to a particular region, where the quality and uniqueness of the product are influenced by local factors such as climate, soil, and traditional methods of production.
Important updates on GI Tags in India
On January 2, 2024, the indigenous people of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district acquired the Geographical Identification designation for their Similipal Kai Chutney, created with red weaver ants.
The Gucci mushroom, one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world, comes from the state of Jammu and Kashmir and was just granted the GI status in India.
Gucci Mushroom from Jammu and Kashmir has made headlines since it is being sought for a GI Tag.
Some of the products with GI tags in India include Darjeeling tea, Mysore betel leaf, Indore leather toys, Odisha rasgulla, Kandangi saree, and Kashmir saffron.
List of GI Tags in India
| Products | States |
| Kashmir Shawls (कश्मीर शॉल) | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Kashmir Pashmina Shawls (कश्मीर पश्मीना शॉल) | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Kashmir Saffron (कश्मीर केसर) | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Bidri work ( बिदरी वर्क) | Karnataka |
| Mysore sandalwood ( मैसूर चंदन ) | Karnataka |
| Dharwad chilies (धारवाड़ मिर्च) | Karnataka |
| Mangalore cashew nuts (मैंगलोर काजू) | Karnataka |
| Coorg honey (कूर्ग शहद) | Karnataka |
| Darjeeling tea (दार्जिलिंग चाय) | West Bengal |
| Kolkata sweets (कोलकाता की मिठाइयाँ) | West Bengal |
| Darjeeling handicrafts (दार्जिलिंग हस्तशिल्प) | West Bengal |
| Chanpatia handloom (चनपटिया हथकरघा) | West Bengal |
| Nilgiri honey (नीलगिरी शहद) | Tamil Nadu |
| Coonoor coffee (कुन्नूर कॉफ़ी) | Tamil Nadu |
| Salem silk (सलेम सिल्क) | Tamil Nadu |
| Kanchipuram silk sarees (कांचीपुरम सिल्क साड़ियाँ) | Tamil Nadu |
| Alphonso mangoes (अलफांसो आम) | Maharashtra |
| Nagpur oranges (नागपुर संतरे) | Maharashtra |
| Zari work of Surat (सूरत का ज़री का काम) | Gujarat |
| Kutch embroidery (कच्छ की कढ़ाई) | Gujarat |
| Patan Patola (पाटन पटोला) | Gujarat |
| Malabar pepper (मालाबार काली मिर्च) | Kerala |
| Sanaur Ghee (सनौर घी) | Rajasthan |
| Barmer chilies (बाड़मेर मिर्च) | Rajasthan |
| Sitaphal (सीताफल) | Madhya Pradesh |
| Chanderi sarees (चंदेरी साड़ी) | Madhya Pradesh |
| Kullu walnuts (कुल्लू अखरोट) | Himachal Pradesh |
| Kullu silver (कुल्लू चांदी) | Himachal Pradesh |
| Banaras paan (बनारस का पान) | Uttar Pradesh |
| Madhubani paintings (मधुबनी पेंटिंग) | Bihar |
| Phulkari phulkari (फुलकारी फुलकारी) | Punjab |
| Sonepur pottery (सोनपुर पॉटरी) | Odisha |
| Amritsari lassi (अमृतसरी लस्सी) | Punjab |