Srinagar — Seven products from Jammu and Kashmir have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags, while around 20 more are currently under consideration, officials said on Sunday.
Officials described the recognition as a major boost for the region’s agricultural and traditional produce sector. The products that have received GI certification include Sulai Honey from Ramban, Bhaderwah Rajmash from Bhaderwah, Kaladi from the Udhampur–Ramnagar region, Basmati Rice from Jammu, Ramban Anardana, Mushqbudji Rice, and the globally renowned Kashmir Saffron.
Authorities stated that GI tagging will safeguard these region-specific products against imitation and misuse, while improving their branding and export potential. The certification formally recognises the distinct geographical origin and traditional cultivation techniques linked to these items.
Officials added that approximately 20 additional crops and products from Jammu and Kashmir are currently in the pipeline for GI registration. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve indigenous varieties and enhance farmers’ incomes through improved market positioning.
Meanwhile, leading agricultural institutions in the Union Territory, including Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, have collectively registered 164 patents. This reflects significant progress in research, innovation, and agricultural technology development in the region.
Officials emphasised that GI recognition represents an important step in strengthening intellectual property rights in agriculture and allied sectors, while promoting value addition and improving global competitiveness.
A GI tag is a form of intellectual property protection that identifies goods originating from specific geographical regions and possessing unique qualities or reputation due to their place of origin. It helps prevent unauthorised use, supports marketing efforts, and protects traditional, agricultural, and manufactured products linked to specific regions.
With inputs from IANS