An e-commerce portal is essential for GI products

Geographical Indication is one of the best methods to promote the rural economy and the traditional knowledge. The artisans get a chance to sale on their special skills and earn a good money,if it works properly. Farmers can also earn their right on the product based on the climate, soil and many parametes. But, there are middle men and fox among the sheep to manipulate it and making duplicate or low quality products and sell under the GI title. Hence, consumers are confused on which one is right or wrong. To avoid such a confusion , it is better to start an e-commerce platform by department of industry promotion or an agency under it to provide the details of the products, its genuine producers ,there contact number and an online business too. It is important to ensure that the bureucratic red-tapism will not affect the payment. When a business happens, immediately the money has to be transfeerd to the concerned GI owner and an SMS regarding the sale. Such a platform will benefit hundreds of genuine rural producers and a great relief for those who love to purchase genuine GI products . Hope the Government will take such an initiative soon. A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.GI tags are issued as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999. This tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The geographical origin of a product can create value to producers by communicating to consumers the product's characteristics, which derive from the climate, soil and other natural conditions in its particular area, promoting the conservation of local traditional production process; and protecting and adding value to the cultural identity of local communities.Geographical indications are generally applied to traditional products, produced by rural, marginal or indigenous communities over generations, that have gained a reputation on the local, national or international markets due to their specific unique qualities. Rural development impacts from geographical indications, referring to environmental protection, economic development and social well-being, can be the strengthening of sustainable local food production and supply (except for non-agricultural GIs such as handicrafts); a structuring of the supply chain around a common product reputation linked to origin; greater bargaining power to raw material producers for better distribution so as for them to receive a higher retail price benefit percentage; capacity of producers to invest economic gains into higher quality to access niche markets, improving circular economy means throughout the value chain, protection against infringements such as free-riding from illegitimate producers, etc.; economic resilience in terms of increased and stabilised prices for the GI product to avoid the commodity trap through de-commodisation, or to prevent/minimise external shocks affecting the premium price percentage gains (usually varying from 20-25%); added value throughout the supply chain; spill-over effects such as new business and even other GI registrations; preservation of the natural resources on which the product is based and therefore protect the environment; preservation of traditions and traditional knowledge; identity based prestige; linkages to tourism. The list of state-wise registered GIs can be accessed at http://www.ipindia.nic.in/registered-gls.htm. Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can apply. The applicant must represent the interest of the producers. The application should be in writing in the prescribed form. The application should be addressed to the Registrar of Geographical Indications along with prescribed fee.The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years. It can be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each. To file an online application, visit https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/eGIR/Login/LoginNew.aspx.