With over a dozen unique products in its kitty, Jammu still yearns for GI tag

HARRY WALIA. Updated: 9/18/2019 9:42:01 AM Jammu and Kashmir

POTENTIAL CANDIDATES
Bhaderwahi Rajma, Kud Patisa, RS Pura Basmati, Jammu Anardana, Jammu Black Morels (Gucchi), Jammu Chikri wood work, Rajouri Darhal, Udhampur Kaladi, Paddar Sapphire, Basohli Pashmina Shawls, Basohli Paintings, Samba Calicos, White Honey of Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur


JAMMU: The State of Jammu and Kashmir might boast of many unique products from its indigenous pool, however, in reality, only seven of them carry the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag. What is more bizarre is that none of them is from Jammu region.

Of the expansive list of over 350 products that have been granted GI tag in India till date, merely seven products of J&K, namely Kashmiri Pashmina, Kashmiri Sozani Craft, Kani Shawl, Kashmir Paper Machie, Kashmiri Walnut Carving, Khatamband, and Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet, have been able to receive the said tag in these 15 years.

“J&K has more than 20 products that are eligible for GI status in different categories. In Jammu division alone, there must be over 10 such products, but are victim to general apathy,” says Bhushan Parimoo, an environmentalist, and Jammu aficionado.

According to Nagendra Singh Jamwal, CEO, Surinsar Mansar Development Authority, products like Bhaderwah Rajma, Kud Patisa, RS Pura Basmati, Jammu Anardana, Jammu Black Morels (Gucchi), Jammu Chikri wood work, Rajouri Darhal, Udhampur Kaladi, Paddar Sapphire, Basohli Pashmina Shawls, Basohli Paintings, Samba Calicos, and White Honey of Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur, have been indispensable part of lives of people in Jammu division, and can rightly make it to the GI list.

“We see beeline of people at Gandhi Nagar Rehri Zone to eat the kaladi kulcha, or at Kud to buy the sweet patisa, whereas, rajma-basmati chawal-anardana is our every Sunday lunch, but not a soul would have thought of getting them GI tag and bringing them in global focus,” mentions Meenakshi, a local. She adds, “The marketing and awareness of these local products can lead to riches. GI status can usher in gainful employment for thousands of people associated with these products. Yet there has been no progress on the ground, neither from the state governments nor the so-called voices of Jammu.”
“It is lack of awareness as well as absence of intent amongst people of J&K to preserve products - agricultural, natural or manufactured (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from their own geographical territory,” blames Parimoo.

Meanwhile, Rajiv, a youngster, reacts, “It is for the first time I’m hearing about chikri, sapphire, calicos, or darhal. Our region is so rich in genuine products like these. It is quite surprising!” He was excited that, if tried, Jammu products could also get GI tags and he could use them with pride.

“We have lost some products to history, while others are being taken over by fake and adulterated versions. For instance, it is rare to find chikri work or the original scent of basmati rice these days. It is simply detrimental to consumers and legitimate producers,” experts complain as they hope that GI tag can improve this dismal state of affairs.

“To get a GI tag is not as easy as it seems. Lot of background work needs to be done before a formal application is made to Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications. Improper and half-baked applications have high chances of rejection,” mentioned a legal expert, adding that the process doesn’t end after getting GI tag.

“The benefits can only be sustainably realized by undertaking effective marketing and protection, quality assurance, brand creation, post sale consumer feedback and support and prosecuting unauthorised copying and faking.”

OP Bhagat, former Director Tourism Jammu, remarks that GI tags for one or all of the aforementioned products can help in promotion of tourism and preservation of cultural heritage of the region, besides encouraging employment.

“The administration will surely process the requests for GI tags, if someone comes forward for it. Jammu, in particular, and J&K, in general, should reap the diverse benefits of GI tags, which have the potential to be our growth engine,” says Rakesh Sarangal, Additional Commissioner Jammu.

GI tag, an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) tag, identifies a product as originating in a particular territory with special quality or reputation attributable to its geographical origin. Apart from conveying a product’s quality and distinctiveness, that helps the producers and consumers to differentiate from competitors, it generates a premium brand price for the product internationally. Furthermore, it provides legal protection to the registered product and their producers.
Updated On 9/18/2019 9:42:45 AM


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