J&K steps up for economic gains from Geographical Indications (GIs) of North-Western Himalayas
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, January 4: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is seeking to tap the Geographical Indication for the benefits of the rural economy in the Union Territory. He has said that J&K will lead in the use of GIs for agricultural and handicraft sectors.
GIs also has the potential to substantially extend wider benefits to rural areas while strengthening historical and cultural link between place and the people, said Sinha on Wednesday. Besides ensuring sustainable livelihoods and generating more income for producers, GIs will also play a key role in protection of indigenous knowledge, he said, adding that it will help the particular geographical area to produce and sustain niche market products.
“People First is our mantra to speed up the pace of sustainable development. Special impetus is being given to create physical, economic and knowledge connectivity to reduce rural-urban gap, improving rural economy and protecting the interest of small and the marginal farmers,” said Sinha.
He also stated that since GIs denote the origin and the quality of products, the aim is to establish local brands in the global market through effective brand and marketing strategy. Other mechanisms are also being evolved to address the challenges faced by producers, he said, while speaking at the two-day workshop on Geographical Indications (GIs) of North-Western Himalayas at SKUAST-Jammu.
The workshop aims to sensitise all stakeholders on GIs, the oldest category of trademarks, identify potential products and formulate future strategy to empower rural communities. Sinha lauded the efforts of SKUAST Jammu and Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department for bringing experts of Geographical Indication, Intellectual Property Rights, experts, officials on a common platform to chalk out constraints and opportunities from the farmer’s and artisan’s perspective.
“Geographical Indication could be a game changer for rural economy and J&K will lead in GIs use for agricultural & handicraft sectors. GIs also has the potential to substantially extend wider benefits to rural areas while strengthening historical and cultural link between place and people,” observed Sinha.
GI Tagging of Kashmir’s Saffron, hand knotted carpets, papier mache and several other products resulted in huge success for local producers, he said, adding that GI tagging of several other products are in the pipeline which will bring socio-economic prosperity in respective areas, he added.
Sinha also stated that the need to document the impact of GIs on promoting the products. He further reiterated the government’s commitment to implement the policy on holistic development of agriculture & allied sector in letter and spirit.
About The Author
