According to officials, organizations have requested a geographical indication (GI) tag for eight different traditional commodities from various districts in the Jammu region in order to assure protection in the local and international markets. This information was shared at a round table discussion titled “A way forward for GIs of Jammu and Kashmir” that was held at the University of Jammu to evaluate the uniqueness of the native and traditional goods produced in the Union territory.
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List of GI Tag in Jammu and Kashmir
Geographical Indication (GI) tags are used to identify goods that have a unique origin and are associated with a specific geographical location. These tags help protect the producers’ intellectual property rights and prevent the unauthorized use of their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Jammu and Kashmir had a few products that were granted GI tags. These include:
- Kani Shawl: This is a traditional shawl woven by the Kani weavers of Kashmir using a wooden handloom. The shawl is known for its intricate designs and high-quality wool. The GI tag for Kani Shawl was granted in 2008.
- Kashmir Pashmina: This luxurious woolen fabric is made from the fine hair of the Changthangi goat, which is native to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. The GI tag for Kashmir Pashmina was granted in 2008.
- Kashmir Papier-Mâché: This traditional handicraft involves the use of paper pulp to create decorative objects like boxes, vases, and trays. The art of Kashmir Papier-Mâché is said to have been brought to the region by a Persian prince in the 15th century. The GI tag for Kashmir Papier-Mâché was granted in 2011.
- Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving: This traditional handicraft involves the carving of intricate designs on wood using a chisel and hammer. The wood used for carving is typically sourced from the walnut tree, which is abundant in the Kashmir Valley. The GI tag for Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving was granted in 2012.
- Kashmir Sozani Craft: This is a traditional embroidery technique used to create intricate designs on fabric using a needle and thread. The craft is practiced by women in rural areas of Kashmir and is known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors. The GI tag for Kashmir Sozani Craft was granted in 2009.
- Khatamband: This is a traditional woodworking technique used to create geometric patterns on ceilings, doors, and windows. The method involves the use of interlocking wooden pieces to create a seamless pattern.
- Kashmiri Hand-Knotted Carpet: These carpets are made using traditional weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations of weavers in Kashmir. The carpets are known for their intricate designs and high-quality wool. The GI tag for Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet was granted in 2017.
- Saffron (Mongra, Lachha, Guchhi): Saffron is a spice that is derived from the flowers of the saffron crocus. The spice is used in various dishes and is known for its unique flavor and aroma. The saffron grown in Kashmir is said to be of high quality due to the region’s unique climate and soil.
- Basmati: Basmati is a type of long-grain rice that is known for its distinctive aroma and flavor. Basmati rice grown in the foothills of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir is said to be of high quality due to the region’s unique climate and soil. The GI tag for Basmati was granted in 2016.
Recent GI Tag in Jammu and Kashmir
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Jammu granted the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to the internationally renowned “Basohli Painting” from the Kathua area.
The Jammu region received a GI tag for handicrafts for the first time in the history of GI registration.
According to an official announcement, NABARD began the process of GI tagging nine products from the Jammu region in December 2020, during the challenging COVID period, after consulting with the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom. After a protracted legal process, these products have now received their GI tags.
Relevantly, Geographical Indications (GI) is a type of intellectual property right that distinguishes products with a clear geographic origin and distinctive nature, quality, and traits associated with that origin.
The first independently GI-tagged item from the Jammu region, according to the official statement, is a Basohli artwork from the Kathua district. In relation to these products, the Geographical Indication may now only be used by an authorized user. No one may thus copy it from outside of their own borders.
FAQs on GI Tag in Jammu and Kashmir
A GI (Geographical Indication) tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Several products in Jammu and Kashmir have been granted GI tags, including Kani Shawl, Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Papier-Mâché, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Kashmir Sozani Craft, Khatamband, Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet, Saffron (Mongra, Lachha, Guchhi), and Basmati.
For a product to qualify for a GI tag in Jammu and Kashmir, it must have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The local producers or groups of producers can apply for the GI tag with the help of the concerned authorities.
Yes, there are several other products in Jammu and Kashmir that have the potential to be granted a GI tag, including Basohli Painting, Khatamband Furniture, and Kashmiri Tea, among others.
The GI tag helps in the promotion of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir by showcasing the unique cultural heritage and traditions of the region, which can attract tourists who are interested in experiencing local cultures and products. For example, tourists who are interested in textiles may be attracted to the Kani Shawls or Pashmina shawls that are made in Jammu and Kashmir.
