Geographical indication tag for agricultural produces: Challenges and methods

Geographical Indication (GI) highlights the origin and excellence of products unique to various locations. In 1999, India introduced GI to comply with the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement. GI in India can be divided into three basic categories: agri-food, natural commodities, handicrafts, and/or industrial items. According to reports, more than 4000 products in India are eligible for registration under the GI Act. However, the present number of GI registrations, especially in the agricultural and food sectors, is much lower than its potential. India's National Intellectual Property Rights Policy actively encourages GI protection and progress through supportive agencies. These institutions assist GI producers in defining and upholding acceptable quality standards, thereby enhancing marketability. Even though products labeled with GI tags adhere to superior quality standards, geographical indications (GIs) encounter various challenges in India. Nonetheless, there are potential solutions to address these issues. The challenges include the lack of awareness among producers and farmers regarding the registration process, post-GI schemes, and subsidies. Moreover, there is insufficient infrastructure resources to promote and market GI-tagged products. Additionally, GI-tagged products have a limited presence in domestic and international markets due to ineffective marketing strategies, the absence of postproduction control, and unethical market practices. A robust enforcement mechanism is required in both domestic and export markets. This paper discusses the challenges faced by GI agricultural produce and proposes a way forward for GI crops.