gi tag

With Bihar making renewed efforts to secure gi tags for more of its unique agricultural products, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) vice-chancellor P S Pandey tells STOI’s B K Mishra in an interview that rigorous scientific documentation and stronger producer organisations are essential to accelerate the process. Excerpts:

Bengaluru is set to host the first batch of 15 artisans from Belagavi for a training program at KILT, a Prada-Lidkar initiative. This three-year collaboration aims to skill 90 artisans statewide, offering advanced training in design, market study, and digital literacy. Selected artisans will even travel to Italy for further development, fostering entrepreneurship and market access through Lidkar outlets.

There is a lot that Darjeeling could learn from Champagne when it comes to protecting its legacy. As the 87 odd estates in the Himalayan foothills gear up to educate the world about their authentic gi tagged teas, we get a whiff of what’s brewing

Genelia Deshmukh revives the royal Kashi Bai aesthetic in a vibrant GI-tagged cobalt blue saree with stunning cinematic flair, feeling like a traditional Maratha dream.

Distinguishing handloom from powerloom sarees in India is crucial. Handloom, a slow, artisanal craft, reveals subtle human imperfections and a unique texture. Powerloom, machine-made for mass production, exhibits robotic precision and uniformity. Buyers can identify handloom by checking for minor flaws, the reverse side, fabric feel, and pattern consistency, ensuring they support genuine craftsmanship.

Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a crucial role in preserving the heritage of distinctive products, such as Darjeeling Tea and Banarasi saris. Enshrined in a 1999 statute, these protections not only defend traditional crafts but also enhance local economies by allowing for higher pricing.

Bihar is rapidly emerging as a champion of its cultural heritage by securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for its extraordinary products, with 14 already on the list. This movement is gaining momentum, especially with an influx of applications focusing on agriculture and culinary delights.

India's Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is a global spiritual magnet, attracting tens of millions annually and standing as the most visited temple by April 2026. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the temple offers a profound experience beyond darshan, with unique rituals like hair offerings and a GI-tagged laddu prasadam.

Odisha celebrated Chhenapoda Dibasa with renewed calls for its Geographical Indication (GI) tag. While the state officially observes the day on April 11, some in Nayagarh advocate for December 31, honoring the dessert's alleged creator, Bidyadhar Sahoo. The debate over its origin continues as efforts for GI recognition progress.

Renowned patachitra artists in West Midnapore's Pingla are using their traditional art form to protest the exclusion of at least 34 community members from the voters' list. Despite holding national awards and having deep roots in the village, their names were removed during a revision.

Jharkhand is establishing a state-level Intellectual Property Facilitation Centre. This centre will be a single point for all intellectual property matters. The Union government has approved partial funding and provided experts. The initiative aims to protect creative and technical capital. It will foster an ecosystem where innovation can thrive. The centre will offer services like patent filing and legal advice.