GOING FOR GI TAGGING
Already J&K has attained successfully the GI tagging for Kani Shawl, Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Paper-Mache, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet, Saffron (Mongra, Lachha, Guchhi) and the same has increased the income of those entities dealing and producing the same products. The GI or Geographical Indication is a name or a sign given to certain products that relate to a specific geographical location or origins like a region or country or a state. The use of GI tagging is regarded as a certification that the particular product is produced as per authentic traditional methods having typical qualities due to its geographical origin. In general, the GI tagging is used for foodstuffs, agri products, handicrafts, and industrial products. It protects the rights of the region from where the particular produce or product came into existence and therefore for maintaining the originality and ensuring that no one could imitate the things, the GI tagging holds special significance. In nutshell, the GI Tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorized users are allowed to use the popular product name. As far as foodstuff is concerned, the J&K has got GI tagging for Kashmiri Saffron and the success of this produce after the process of getting GI tagging has now inspired the government to go for GI tagging of more agri-products, which is a very good initiative especially because this will help increase the income of farmers, which is needful in today’s context because inflation is touching skies. The reports emanating from the government side have confirmed that J&K is going for 12 more crops to be GI tagged and the proposal has already been submitted for the same. People associated with Saffron farming know well that the GI tag of Kashmiri Saffron had made it popular in the international market and built its reputation as never before. The decision to go for more products to have GI tagging is a promising one and will help the farming community in achieving goals and ensuring good fortune. A few products which are in pipeline for attaining GI tagging in J&K include Kala Zera, walnut, and apricot. Surely, this will help farmers in the upcoming times.