The scope of the geographical indication (GI) tag in Jammu and Kashmir is quite vast, as the state is known for its diverse culture, artisans, handicrafts, and products. Obtaining a GI tag for a product not only provides legal protection to the product but also promotes it in national and international markets and helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits and authenticity. By tapping into the potential of their unique culture, artisans, handicrafts, and products, Jammu and Kashmir can benefit from the legal protection that a GI tag offers, and promote their products in national and international markets. This will help to increase the visibility of the products and make them more attractive to consumers. The benefits of a GI tag will also help to improve the quality of life for the artisans and villagers who produce these products and provide them with a sustainable revenue stream. It will also help to preserve the traditional knowledge and skills associated with these products.
In today’s virtual world, branding a product and highlighting its authenticity is crucial to creating a unique niche for it. However, in this age of artificial intelligence, the value of creativity is not fully understood by artists, farmers, or even intellectuals. India, with its diverse history, culture, and rich social fabric, has yet to fully tap into its potential in this regard. Western countries are far ahead of us in terms of intellectual property rights and the use of geographical indication (GI) tags. For example, turmeric, which has been used as medicine in India for thousands of years, was given a GI tag in the USA before India. Further, Darjeeling tea, Kancheepuram silk, Coorg Orange, Kangra Paintings, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Chikkan Silk, and Dharwad Peda are some of the products that have obtained the GI tag in India.
With the advent of robust e-commerce, the global market has become one and distances no longer matter. However, India is lagging behind in recognizing its talent and products and registering them as early as possible. India has over four hundred GI tags as per reports, but they are a small fraction of our potential. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is no exception, with only nine tags in total. Of these, eight are from the Kashmir Division, and many products such as Basohli paintings, Bhaderwahi rajma, anardana, and honey do not have GI tags. Only Jammu basmati has a GI tag, but it is tagged along with basmati rice from Punjab, Haryana, and other states.
It is clear that we are not able to recognize the potential of our products and the concerned departments have also failed to highlight the importance of such tagging. The process of obtaining a GI tag is quite cumbersome and may take years to materialize, but the benefits, in the end, are significant. In the past, the focus has been primarily on Kashmir, neglecting the interests of Jammu. However, this attitude and focus have changed, and a recent two-day workshop on Geographical Indications of the North-Western Himalayas at SKUAST-Jammu has helped to make artisans, officials, and the general public aware of the importance of GI tags and intellectual property rights.
In conclusion, it is crucial for the local government of Jammu and Kashmir to recognize the potential of their products and the benefits of obtaining geographical indication (GI) tags for them. The process of obtaining a GI tag may be cumbersome and time-consuming, but the benefits, in the end, are significant. The government and administration should actively push for the registration of genuine products from Jammu and Kashmir and cooperate with concerned authorities to make this process as smooth as possible. They should also make an effort to educate artisans, officials, and the general public about the importance of GI tags and intellectual property rights. By tapping into the potential of their diverse culture, artisans, handicrafts, and products, Jammu and Kashmir can reap the benefits of legal protection, promotion in national and international markets, and improved quality for consumers. This will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and promising future for the rural economy of Jammu and Kashmir.