India has set an ambitious target of achieving 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030. This goal will be realized through a comprehensive government approach, supported by a dedicated committee to oversee the process, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced at an event on January 22, 2025. Currently, the department has issued a total of 605 GI tags.
Highlighting the government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Goyal noted a remarkable boost in India’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ecosystem. Over the past decade, authorized users for GI tags surged from 365 to 29,000, while the number of patents granted grew exponentially from 6,000 to 100,000.
Goyal also highlighted several government initiatives, such as the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Fund and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, which are pivotal in strengthening the IPR framework.
He praised the proactive measures by states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in promoting GI products and mentioned that increased manpower and digitization have streamlined the registration process, ensuring timely and efficient approvals.
Highlighting the significance of branding and quality, Piyush Goyal stressed the need for collaboration with agencies like FSSAI and BIS to implement strict quality standards and tackle counterfeit products. He underscored that ensuring authenticity and maintaining high standards would strengthen consumer trust and enhance the reputation of GI-tagged products.
Goyal also emphasized the critical role of marketing and promotion in boosting the visibility of GI products. He proposed forming partnerships with private entities and institutions like railways and airports to create more opportunities for showcasing these products. Additionally, he suggested integrating GI-tagged items with platforms such as GeM, ONDC, and e-commerce websites, along with promoting them at Indian embassies abroad, to unlock their export potential and expand their global reach.
Goyal expressed optimism about transforming India’s geographical indication (GI) ecosystem into a global powerhouse, aiming for both cultural preservation and economic growth.
