Telangana is set to enhance its Geographical Indication (GI) portfolio in 2025. The state plans to file for GI status for ten new products. This initiative aims to showcase Telangana’s rich agricultural and handicraft heritage. Currently, the state has 17 GI-registered products. The new filings will increase this number to 27 by the end of next year.
About Geographical Indication (GI)
Geographical Indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin. It indicates that the product possesses qualities or a reputation due to that origin. GI status helps protect traditional knowledge and promotes local goods. It ensures that only products originating from a specific place can use the name associated with that area.
Current GI-Registered Products in Telangana
Telangana currently boasts 17 GI-registered products. These include various handicrafts and agricultural products. Notable examples are Pochampally Ikat textiles, Hyderabad Lac Bangles, and Warangal Chilli. Each product reflects the unique cultural heritage of the region.
New Products for GI Filing
The state has identified six new handicraft and cultural products for GI filings. These include: – Hyderabad’s pearls – Armoor turmeric from Nizamabad – Narayanpet’s jewellery-making craft – Batik painting from Medak – Banjara needlecraft from Nalgonda – Banjara tribal jewellery Additionally, four agricultural products are under consideration. These are: – Balanagar custard apple – Nalgonda Dosakaya (an Oriental Pickling Melon) – Anab-e-Shahi grapes – Khammam chilli
Role of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University
The Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) plays important role in securing GI recognition for agricultural products. The university collaborates with local farmers and artisans to promote traditional practices and enhance product quality.
Significance of GI in Telangana
The expansion of GI registrations is vital for Telangana. It helps preserve the state’s cultural heritage and boosts local economies. GI status can enhance marketability and attract tourism. It also empowers local communities by recognising their craftsmanship and agricultural practices.
Criteria for GI Eligibility
To qualify for GI status, a product must meet six essential criteria: 1. It must originate from a specific geographic location. 2. There must be a strong link between the product and its area of origin. 3. The product should have a local, national, or global reputation. 4. Historical evidence of the product’s existence is necessary. 5. The product must be unique compared to similar items. 6. It should be produced by a specific community.
Contributions of GI Practitioners
Subhajit Saha, a notable GI practitioner, has been instrumental in Telangana’s GI recognition journey. He has facilitated 27 of the 36 GI registrations from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. His expertise has helped highlight the importance of protecting traditional products.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of Geographical Indication in preserving cultural heritage and promoting local economies.
- Explain the significance of the Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University in the context of agricultural development.
- What are the essential criteria for a product to qualify for Geographical Indication status? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Comment on the impact of Geographical Indication on the global market for traditional products. What challenges do these products face?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of Geographical Indication in preserving cultural heritage and promoting local economies.
- GI status protects traditional knowledge and unique products linked to specific regions.
- It enhances the marketability of local products, increasing demand and sales.
- GI recognition can empower local communities by valuing their craftsmanship and practices.
- It attracts tourism, showcasing the cultural heritage of the region.
- GI contributes to sustainable development by encouraging local production and consumption.
2. Explain the significance of the Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University in the context of agricultural development.
- SKLTSHU collaborates with local farmers to enhance agricultural practices and product quality.
- It plays a very important role in securing GI recognition for regional agricultural products.
- The university promotes research and innovation in horticulture and agriculture.
- It supports the preservation of traditional farming techniques and biodiversity.
- SKLTSHU contributes to local economic development by improving agricultural outputs.
3. What are the essential criteria for a product to qualify for Geographical Indication status? Discuss with suitable examples.
- A product must originate from a specific geographic location (e.g., Pochampally Ikat from Pochampally).
- There should be a strong link to the area (e.g., Hyderabad Lac Bangles made in Hyderabad).
- The product must have a reputation (e.g., Warangal Chilli known for its unique flavor).
- Historical evidence of the product’s existence is necessary (e.g., traditional crafts like Banjara needlecraft).
- The product should be unique compared to similar items (e.g., Anab-e-Shahi grapes distinct from other grape varieties).
- It must be produced by a specific community (e.g., Narayanpet’s jewellery-making craft by local artisans).
4. Comment on the impact of Geographical Indication on the global market for traditional products. What challenges do these products face?
- GI enhances global recognition and market access for traditional products.
- It helps protect against counterfeit and exploitation of local products.
- GI can lead to higher prices and better income for producers in the global market.
- Challenges include lack of awareness about GI benefits among local producers.
- Global competition and market saturation can undermine the uniqueness of GI products.
- Inconsistent quality and production standards may affect consumer trust and demand.
