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Geographical Indication (GI) tag
Seven products from across India, including four from Rajasthan, were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
‘Goa Mankurad Mango’ - This variety of mango is also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur. The Portuguese named the fruit malcorada, which means ‘poor coloured’, and with time, it became mankurad aamo (mango) in Konkani.
‘Goan Bebinca’ - Bebinca, also known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts’, is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding.
‘Jalesar Dhatu Shilp’ (a metal craft) – Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district, once the capital of Magadha king Jarasandha, over 1,200 small units are engaged in making ‘Jalesar Dhatu Shilp’, including ghungrus (anklets), ghantis (bells) and other decorative metal craft and brassware. The Thatheras community, which resides in a mohalla (locality) named Hathuras, makes these products.
‘Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft’ - Weapons are exquisitely ornamented by a complicated process of etching designs, heating, and then cooling, intertwined with embedding gold and silver wire into the metal, pressing and flattening it to a smooth surface with moonstone, and finally polishing it.
‘Bikaner Kashidakari Craft’ - Traditionally created on cotton, silk or velvet with a variety of fine stitches and mirrorwork, mainly for objects associated with marriage, especially gift items. The mirrors are believed to repel the ‘evil eye’ with their reflective surfaces. The weaving of fabrics by hand used to be done by the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts.
‘Jodhpur Bandhej Craft’ - Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing. Bandhej is one of the most famous textile art forms of Rajasthan. The fabrics used for Bandhej are muslin, silk and voile. Cotton thread is used for tying the fabric.
‘Bikaner Usta Kala Craft’ - Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work due to the prominence of its long-lasting golden colour. Untreated raw camel hide is processed and moulded by the Dapgar community of leather craftspeople for the requirements of the Usta.
About: GI
Geographical Indications (GIs) are a form of intellectual property that provides legal protection for products originating from a specific geographical area, which possess unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics closely linked to their place of origin. The use of GIs aims to prevent unauthorized use of the geographical name by others, thereby preserving the product's quality, reputation, and traditional production methods. Here are some benefits of Geographical Indications:
Protection of Authenticity and Quality: GIs protect consumers from misleading or deceptive labeling and ensure that products with a specific geographical origin meet certain quality standards or follow traditional production methods. This protection fosters consumer trust and helps maintain the reputation of the products.
Economic Benefits for Producers: GIs can create economic opportunities for producers in specific regions. By protecting the uniqueness of their products, GIs can lead to increased demand and higher prices for these products in the market, benefiting the local producers and their communities.
Preservation of Traditional Knowledge and Culture: GIs often represent products that have historical and cultural significance. By safeguarding the products' origins and traditional production methods, GIs contribute to the preservation of local knowledge, culture, and heritage.
Rural Development: GIs can contribute to the economic development of rural areas, as they often revolve around traditional agricultural and artisanal products. Increased demand for GI-protected products can generate employment and income in these regions.
Global Market Access: GIs can help products gain recognition and acceptance in international markets. The unique identity and quality associated with GIs can attract international consumers and create export opportunities for producers.
Competitive Advantage: Products with GI protection enjoy a competitive advantage over similar non-geographical products. The exclusive use of the geographical name can set them apart in the market, helping them stand out from generic counterparts.
Environmental Protection: In some cases, the requirements for GI protection may involve adherence to specific environmental and sustainability standards, encouraging producers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Regional Branding: Geographical Indications can act as a form of regional branding, promoting specific regions as centers of excellence for particular products. This can boost tourism and further enhance the region's reputation.
Dispute Resolution: GI protection can help in resolving disputes related to the use of geographical names and product origin. It provides legal grounds for challenging unauthorized or misleading use of a geographical indication.
Overall, Geographical Indications play a vital role in supporting local economies, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring consumers' access to authentic and quality products. They also contribute to sustainable development by promoting traditional practices and fostering responsible production methods.