An explanation of GI tags and potential export markets for Indian agricultural products that have them

Geographical Indication (GI) is a label applied to goods with a particular origin and that have traits or a reputation derived from that origin. It became operative as of September 2003. The first Indian product to receive a GI label was Darjeeling Tea.

India’s Geographical Indication Register, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, issues GI tags.

The majority of the time, agriculture, food, wine, alcoholic beverages, handicrafts, and industrial products use geographical indications.

The Government has placed great emphasis on connecting farmer producer organizations (FPOs), food producer companies (FPCs), and exporters with international business communities to create an export hub in V In 2020, virtual buyer-seller meets were organized with UAE and USA, two of the largest export markets for APEDA scheduled products, in association with the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Embassy of India in Washington DC.

The meet on GI products provided a platform for interaction between Indian exporters and importers of USA and UAE. The exporters were informed about the potential GI products for exports such as Basmati Rice, Mango, Pomegranates, Bangalore Rose Onions, SangliGrapes/Raisin, Banana, and products of the North-Eastern Region such as Joha Rice of Assam, Black Rice (Chak-Hao), Naga Mircha, and their derived processed products. From April 2020 to March 2021, VBSMs were held with potential importing countries such as UAE, Indonesia, Kuwait Iran, Thailand, Bhutan, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, etc., for the promotion of APEDA scheduled products. Special focus was given on the export of GI-tagged products.

APEDA also organized in-store promotional programs in importing countries in association with foreign retailers such as Al-Zajira Group of Bahrain and Family Food Center of Doha, Qatar. Dispatch of samples of GI-tagged Nanjangud Banana from Karnataka to LuLu Group, UAE was also facilitated to enhance exports.

As of date, there are 417 registered GI products and of them, around 150 GI tagged products are agricultural and food products, out of which more than 100 registered GI products fall under the category of APEDA scheduled products (Cereals, Fresh Fruits and vegetables, processed products, etc).