Exhibition Of Geographical Indications Of India At IITF 2018

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and some private individuals and government and non-government bodies and trade and industry representatives viz. Geographical Indications Registry (GIR), Department of Industry Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) etc. are focused on bettering trade prospects. 

This can be enabled with more Geographical Indications (GI) registration and empowering the artisans. Ministry of Commerce is promoting Intellectual Property (IP) and GIs with #LetsTalkIP hashtag. 

A Geographical Indication refers to a product that has a specific geographical history and origin and possesses qualities and reputation that are due to that origin. 

Recently, a new logo and tagline was adopted for GI. 
Geographical Indications are the "invaluable treasures of incredible India."

DIPP, in association with the above-mentioned bodies, is organizing an "Exhibition of Geographical Indications of India" at the 38th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2018 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14-27, 2018. This is a welcome initiative to make the public aware about the GIs of India.

Geographical Indications Of Odisha

Odisha is a culturally-rich state in the eastern part of India.  
Centuries ago, the enterprising merchants from Odisha had established great trade and commerce with the South East Asian nations. They used to carry products from ancient Odisha to other nations. A grand fair named "Bali Jatra" is celebrated every year in Cuttack. It is reminiscent of the ancient "journey to Bali".

International trade has immense possibilities in today's age.  There is a huge role of Geographical Indications (GI). GI is an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that is a community right. GI earns reputation for the region/state and earns additional business following the registration as a geographical indication product. It contributes to the increase in sales and exports.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.

An agricultural, natural or a manufactured cultural product is awarded this GI tag to protect manufacturers/producers, who produce these genuine products. GI products have brand value and the GI tag ensures a brand-awareness, brand-recall and premium pricing in the domestic and international markets.

The first GI for an Indian product was for the Darjeeling Tea in 2004-05.

Odisha has a rich cultural heritage.
There are many varieties of Odisha Agricultural products, Handicrafts and Handlooms. But, only a few have got GI. 
Kotpad Handloom was the first GI from Odisha.

I have shared about Handlooms of Odisha in my previous posts:

Handlooms of Odisha
Odisha India Handlooms