Rajasthan’s Signature Crops May Soon Get GI Tag: Workshop Held in Jaipur to Chart the Path Forward
06 April 2025, Jaipur: A major step toward giving Rajasthan’s unique agricultural identity global recognition was taken on Friday as a day-long workshop was held at Pant Krishi Bhavan in Jaipur. The objective: to obtain Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the state’s agricultural, horticultural, and spice crops. The workshop was led by Agriculture and Horticulture Secretary Rajan Vishal and saw participation from experts, officials, and representatives of agricultural universities.
The goal of the initiative is to secure GI tags for crops that are unique to specific regions of Rajasthan, thereby enhancing their reputation and marketability across the world. However, how successful this plan will be can only be determined in the coming years.
Secretary Rajan Vishal shared that Rajasthan currently has GI tags for 16 products and 5 traditional art forms. This includes well-known items like Sojat’s henna and Bikaneri bhujia. Now, the state plans to extend this recognition to more local products under initiatives like ‘Panch Gaurav’, ‘One District One Product’, and region-specific agricultural produce.
To drive this effort, a high-level committee is being formed comprising members from the agriculture, horticulture, and marketing departments, as well as from agricultural universities. This committee will prepare a list of eligible products and initiate the GI tagging process.
Why is the GI Tag Important?
According to Vishal, a GI tag gives products a distinct global identity, boosting demand and offering better price opportunities to farmers. It also acts as a certification of authenticity for region-specific products, making it harder for copycat versions to enter the market. The GI tag remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter. However, the process of obtaining a GI tag can be complex, and how accessible it will be for small farmers remains a key concern.
Who Can Apply for a GI Tag?
Applications for a GI tag can be filed by associations, groups, or government bodies. GI tags are granted not only for agricultural products but also for food items, handicrafts, and industrial goods. Experts Dr. Sujit Kumar Yadav and Dr. Vikas Pawadia, who were present at the workshop, discussed the intricacies of the GI registration process. However, questions remain about how easily small-scale farmers can navigate the requirements and documentation involved.
The event was also attended by Agriculture Commissioner Chinmayee Gopal, Director of Agricultural Marketing Rajesh Kumar Chauhan, and General Manager Ravindra Kumar, among other senior officials. Officers from various districts and divisions also joined the session via video conferencing.
Also Read: Krishak Jagat Honored with ICAR-IARI Award for Best Agricultural Print Media
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