Experts are calling for a concerted effort to promote Geographical Indications (GI) products such as Kala Namak, rice, and Nagpur oranges as premium offerings on the global stage to enhance exports, citing their significant potential in various countries.
The lack of robust marketing and global brand recognition compared to similar international goods is identified as a key weakness hindering the competitiveness of Indian GI products in global markets, according to experts.
Ajay Srivasatava, Founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), highlighted the inadequacies in branding, promotional activities, and limited access to global markets as factors contributing to the underperformance of Indian GI products internationally. He emphasized the importance of strengthening these areas to enhance the global presence and market value of Indian GI products.
The Great Mission Group Society (GMGS), a non-governmental organization focusing on such goods, emphasized the vast potential of GI products in India, which could benefit local communities and preserve the nation's heritage. Urging the government to expedite the process of granting GI tags to Indian goods, they emphasized the potential to increase income for communities producing these items and boost the country's exports.
Current measures to promote GI products include promotional campaigns, participation in international fairs, quality enhancement initiatives, legal protection, and the exploration of e-commerce platforms for broader market access. Financial and technical support is extended to GI producers for capacity building and marketing, fostering an enabling environment for these goods.
To further boost exports, experts suggested implementing strict quality control measures, establishing traceability systems to meet international standards, developing brand identities, and targeted marketing strategies for specific markets. They also advocated for utilizing online marketplaces for wider accessibility and fostering partnerships between the government and industry bodies.
The GI tag grants legal protection, prevents unauthorized use by others, and promotes exports. It assures consumers of the product's quality and distinctiveness attributable to its place of origin. The process of registration involves filing applications, preliminary scrutiny, examination, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and final registration.
India's Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, enforced since September 15, 2003, provides legal backing for GI products. However, compared to countries like China and Moldova, which have granted GI status to over 9,000 and 3,000 items respectively, India has bestowed this status to fewer than 500 items.
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