What is GI Tag in India: Famous GI-Tagged Products of India

Have you ever pondered over the uniqueness and real charm of some Indian products? The credit goes to GI Tag! GI Tag, or Geographical Indication Tag, is a special label for products that come from a specific geographical region of India. This article will make you understand what is GI tag in India. Get set to unravel the rich cultural heritage and traditional art that lend these products their unique and exclusive charm.

What are GI-Tagged Products?

To begin, lets first see what does GI tag mean. Geographical Indication Tag, is a special identity attached to a product as originating from a specific geographical region in India. This label recognizes the qualities and characteristics of the underlying product. Also, it works for its protection against imitation or misuse by others.

Next you should know about who gives GI tag in India. The granting of the GI Tag is done by the Geographical Indications Registry in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India. Before any product can be granted a GI Tag, it must show a stronger link with its geographical origin. The quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the product must be primarily due to that geographical location.

GI-tagged products can come from a wide range of categories, including:

• Food items
• Handicrafts
• Agricultural products
• Manufactured goods

Everyone should know what is a GI tag because it helps to preserve the unique qualities of these products. It also benefits the local communities who have been producing them for generations.

GI-Tagged Food Items in India

India is blessed with a rich and infinite variety of cuisines. Many of these most famous and well-loved food items have been bestowed with a GI Tag. Some examples for understanding what is Geographical Indication tagging are:

• Darjeeling Tea: The famous Darjeeling tea is grown and prepared in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal. The wonderful, chilling, and misty weather and high-altitude tea gardens contribute to the tea’s unique flavor and aroma. This specialty gives it a GI tag.

• Basmati Rice: Basmati is long-grained aromatic rice primarily cultivated in northern India in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The GI tag recognizes the unique features of Basmati rice, such as long, thin grains and delicate flavor.

• Bhalia Wheat: Bhalia wheat is another high-quality, drought-resistant wheat grown in the region of Bhalia, Gujarat. The better quality and flavor of wheat have led to its registration under GI.

• Tirupati Laddu: It is an iconic sweet made in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Recipe and method of preparation are also GI-tagged.

• Navara Rice: Navara rice is another traditional variety of rice that is cultivated in the Kerala region. Navara is considered to hold some medicinal properties and is widely used in Ayurvedic methods of treatment.

• Banginapalle Mango: A species of mango grown in the Banaganapalle area of Andhra Pradesh. It is acclaimed for its succulent, sweet flesh and has been awarded the GI Tag.

GI-Tagged Handicrafts in India

Next in the list of GI tagged products are different handicrafts in India. You must be aware that our different states have diverse cultures. Therefore, its important for local people to know about what is a GI tag. Some examples are:

• Mysore Silk: The Mysore silk saris are produced in the city of Mysore, Karnataka. The sarees are known for their fine designs and superior quality. The way of producing the unique techniques and materials has earned Mysore silk the GI Tag.

• Kalamkari: This is an old traditional form of textile art, realized in a hand-painted or block-printed way. It has its roots in the town of Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. GI tag for this is given because of the unique techniques as well as designs used to make Kalamkari textiles.

• Pochampalli Ikat: Pochampalli ikat is a traditional tie-and-dye weaving done in the town of Pochampalli in the state of Telangana. It has been granted the GI Tag for its beautiful designs and bright colors.

• Dhokra Metalcraft: An ancient form of casting in non-ferrous metals practiced in the Bastar area of Chhattisgarh. For this craft expertise and special training is required and that’s why it has the GI tag.

• Kullu Shawl: It is also a traditional woolen shawl woven in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. This shawl is known for its intricate designs and warm texture and softness.

• Thanjavur Paintings: Thanjavur paintings, or Tanjore paintings, are that unique classical South Indian style of painting done originally in the town of Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu. Their use of intricate designs and the incorporation of gold leaf in the paintings have secured them a GI tag.

GI-Tagged Agricultural Products in India

India also gets well-known GI tags for a wide range of agricultural products originating from India. If you are from an agricultural background you should know about what does geographical identification tag mean. Some of the most famous ones are:

• Coorg Orange: This GI Tag recognizes the difference in flavor and aroma of the very sweet, juicy oranges grown in the Coorg region of Karnataka. Coorg oranges have sweet, succulent flesh and well-defined skin. The region is known for its high-altitude climate and fertile soil.

• Kangra Tea: This black tea is cultivated and produced in the huge Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is noted for its flavor and aroma. The cool, misty climate and high-altitude tea gardens of this region contribute to the distinguishing odor and flavor.

• Banginapalli Mango: It is one of the sweetest and juicy mangoes. You can find them in the Banaganapalle region of Andhra Pradesh. The GI tag recognizes the unique qualities characterizing this variety of mango.

• Pokhrajasthan Tamarind: There is also a type of tamarind found in the Pokhra region of Rajasthan, which is known as Pokhrajasthan tamarind. This tamarind is well known for its sweet-sour taste and is extensively used in various Indian dishes.

• Kashmiri saffron: Kashmiri saffron is one of the most prized saffrons. The unique climate and soil conditions of Kashmir give this saffron its deep color and intense aroma.

GI-Tagged Manufactured Goods in India

If you are in a manufacturing industry, then it is important for you to know what is GI tag in India. Because manufactured goods of India are largely celebrated for having some of the most distinct qualities and characteristics. Some examples to look at are:

• Feni: Feni is one of the oldest popular liquors, manufactured only in Goa. The GI Tag covers an intricate production process. It is laid down by tradition of Feni which is produced from either cashew apples or coconut palm sap.

• Mysore Sandal Soap: The best soap comes from Mysore in Karnataka. These are rich, creamy lather soap possessing the peculiar fragrance of fresh and aged sandalwood. They are fittingly derived from sandalwood trees that grow naturally in the area.

• Channapatna Toys: These wooden toys are from the town of Channapatna, Karnataka. They are popular in terms of color, design, and traditional lacquerware craft.

• Dindigul Locks: Traditional Dindigul locks are padlocks made in the town of Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. They are highly valued because of their best quality and durability.

• Muga Silk: Muga silk is golden silk from Assam. You can witness its distinct characteristics of luster and durability in its fabric.

GI-Tagged Products List

Conclusion

In this way, the GI Tag allows the preservation of these products. With this it enhances the livelihoods of local communities that produce them. They feel confident in preserving their cultural and artistic legacies that have been handed down for generations now. We see that there are increasing number of products being conferred with the prestigious GI Tag. This enables us to uncover the immense treasures of talent and tradition from every corner of India.