The state government of Himachal Pradesh is aiming to get Geographical Indication (GI) for 5 goods that are produced in the state. These goods are Karsog Kulth, Chamba Metal Crafts, Thangi of Pangi, Rajmah of Bharmour, and Chamba Chukh. The government is operating on identifying the traits of these goods and then it will apply for the GI status with the central government, a report by The IE noted. After the centre has investigated the claims, then GI is granted. The time period for the entire method is two-4 years.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, a Geographical Indication can be termed as a sign that can be utilized on a distinct item indicating the qualities, geographical origin or a reputation that the item possesses. In India, lots of agricultural goods along with other industrial goods and handicrafts have their personal GIs. Some examples are Kullu shawl, Darjeeling tea, Mysore agarbathi. To be certain, Himachal Pradesh has currently received GI for eight goods produced in the state. This involves Kullu Shawl, Himachali Chulli Oil, Kangra Tea, Basmati, Himachali Kala Zeera, Chamba Rumal, Kangra Paintings, and Kinnauri Shawl. These GIs are precisely why champagne (France) as nicely as Swiss watches are identified worldwide.
Now, the state government of Himachal Pradesh desires 5 additional goods to be recognised. According to the IE report, Karsog Kulth is a legume that is grown as a kharif crop and is believed to be wealthy in amino acids. Similarly, Pangi ki Thangi is a type of a hazelnut that has exceptional flavour and sweetness. Bharmouri Rajmah are also popular for their flavour and are grown specifically in the region about Kugti Pass in the Bharmour area of Chamba district.
Chamba Chukh, on the other hand, is a chutney produced from green and red chillies native to Chamba district in the state. The preparedness for this chutney is regular and exceptional in lots of techniques. The report mentioned that this practice has declined largely in rural households of the district. Lastly, Chamba metal crafts are inclusive of things like metal idols and brass utensils which hold historical which means to it. The state government desires GI for this to revive the trade.
Getting a GI tag can support in lots of techniques as it offers a much better market place prospects for the goods and can also avoid misuse of the item names. It is to note that the GI tag is provided to an region. Therefore, traders dealing in goods (registered for GI) can apply with the government to sell the goods with the GI logo. For instance, Kullu shawl is registered for GI and has 135 authorised traders. This suggests that a shawl produced in some other component of the nation can’t be sold as a ‘kullu shawl’. It is also believed that providing a GI tag to a exceptional item increases its worth and improves trade. So far, India has 370 registered GIs.