Why in the news?

  • The Union  Commerce and Industry Minister distributed  GI tag certificates to 7 new products.

Geographical Indications (GI) Tag

  • What is it?: A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right used to identify goods that:
    • Originating from a specific geographical region and possessing unique qualities, characteristics, or reputation essentially attributable to that location.
    • Applicable to agricultural, handicraft, manufactured, and food products.
  • Legal Backing: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • Purpose:
    • Protects producers from unauthorised use or imitation.
    • Enhances market value, ensures premium pricing, and boosts export potential.
    • Supports rural livelihoods, preserves traditional knowledge, and promotes cultural heritage.
    • Helps consumers identify authentic and quality-assured products.
  • Validity:
    • GI tags in India are valid for 10 years.
    • Can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year cycles, ensuring long-term protection of the product’s identity.
  • Latest Additions:

Product

Features
Kannadippaya (Bamboo Mat)
  • State: Kerala
  • What is it?: A traditional handwoven bamboo mat made by tribal artisans of Kerala, known for its tight weaving, durability, and eco-friendly crafting techniques.
Apatani Textile
  • State: Arunachal Pradesh
  • What is it?: Crafted by the Apatani tribe of the Ziro Valley, known for their distinct geometric patterns, use of organic fibres, and natural dyes.
Marthandam Honey
  • State: Tamil Nadu
  • What is it?: A high-quality honey produced in the Kanyakumari district (Marthandam region), known for its unique floral sources, purity, and medicinal value.
Lepcha Tungbuk
  • State: Sikkim
  • What is it?: A traditional fermented bamboo shoot product prepared by the Lepcha tribe of Sikkim.
Bodo Aronai
  • State: Assam
  • What is it?: A handwoven traditional scarf or cloth of the Bodo community, used in cultural ceremonies and daily life.
Ambaji White Marble
  • State: Gujarat
  • What is it?: A premium-grade natural white marble sourced from the Ambaji region of Banaskantha district.
Bedu and Badri Cow Ghee
  • State: Uttarakhand 
  • What is it?: Traditional ghee varieties made from:
  • Bedu cow (local Himalayan cattle)
  • Badri cow (indigenous Uttarakhand breed)