India has always been full of culture, from Banarasi weavers to Assam tea growers to Kashmir saffron farmers to Kanchipuram silk artisans and many more. But something amazing is happening right now: these traditional communities are lining up to have Geographical Indications (GI) protect their heritage.
The GI tag is what makes Banarasi Saree, Darjeeling Tea, Hyderabadi Haleem, Kashmiri Saffron, Nagpur Orange, and even Bikaneri Bhujia so valuable and important.
And now, more products than ever are asking for it.
This is why.
- People Finally Understand What a GI Is
For a long time, farmers and craftsmen didn’t know how powerful a GI was. But stories of success changed everything.
When Hyderabadi Haleem got its GI tag, it became very popular during Ramadan.
The news spread around the world when Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Coffee got its GI.
Now that they see this, a lot of traditional communities know that a GI is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a shield and a spotlight.
- GI: Realness That Sells
A GI tag tells customers, “This is the real deal, made only here.”
No copies, no cheap knockoffs.
Once Mysore Sandal Soap, Pochampally Ikat, or Kashmiri Paper Mache got GI status, their prices and demand both went through the roof. People love the feeling of owning something “real,” and a GI guarantees that.
- It keeps other brands from copying local ones.
The GI owners can legally stop someone in another state from selling “Banarasi Sarees” that aren’t really from Varanasi.
This protection is very important because fake crafts and food are everywhere.
A GI gives people in a community the confidence that their craft won’t be stolen or watered down.
- It directly helps the economies of rural and regional areas.
A lot of GI products come from areas where farming or crafts are important.
When these products get a GI, they are worth more and are easier to find.
For example:
- Bhagalpuri silk weavers made more money for their work.
- After winning the GI award, Odisha’s Rasagola became a place that people wanted to visit.
- There was an increase in demand for Mahabaleshwar strawberries across the country.
A GI tag can help a craft that has been forgotten become a successful business in the area.
- A Big Chance for Businesses
People today want products that are local, handmade, organic, traditional, and real. GI products fit this trend perfectly.
GIs can help businesses with:
- Positioning of premium brands
- Strong storytelling
- Higher prices
- Better acceptance of exports
- Heritage is becoming a business advantage.
Final Thoughts
The GI wave in India is more than just a legal movement; it’s also a way to boost the economy and people’s spirits.
It pays respect to our culture and helps businesses make money at the same time. If you use GI-based branding today, it could give you a big edge over your competitors tomorrow, whether you’re a brand, an artisan group, a startup, or an exporter.
Authored by Himanshu Rana
