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Geographical Indications (popularly abbreviated as GI Tag), the 'messiahs' of farmers, weavers, and local traders stepped into India with the "Geographical Indications of Goods Act", of 1999. Since then, plenty of government entities have advocated for an increased number of registrations; providing a glimmer of hope to communities working to maintain the authenticity of the product originating from its defined region. GI tags were introduced in India to protect and promote the unique identity and reputation of products originating from specific geographical locations within the country.
In this blog post today, we'll do a detailed analysis of the concept of GI tags, products authenticity, their history, loopholes, and blockchain's role in bringing a huge change to the same. So are you ready? Let's get started right away!
The introduction of GI tags in India has played a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge, trademark, promoting rural development, and protecting the cultural heritage of various regions. It has also contributed to the economic growth of the country by facilitating market access, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable agricultural and artisanal practices.
Geographical Indication (GI) tags are a form of intellectual property rights granted to products that have a specific geographical origin and possess unique qualities or characteristics. These tags help protect the reputation and authenticity of goods originating from specific regions. In India, the GI tag system is administered by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999.
Here are some examples of products in India that have been granted GI tags:
Grown in the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, this tea is known for its unique flavor and is highly prized. The GI tag for Darjeeling tea also helps support the local economy, trademark and the livelihoods of tea growers and producers in the region. It recognizes the distinct flavor and aroma profiles of Darjeeling tea, which are attributed to factors such as the region's altitude, climate, soil, and traditional cultivation and processing methods.
Do You Know? Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive a GI tag.
Saffron cultivated in the Kashmir Valley is renowned for its distinct aroma, flavor, and vibrant red color. It has been granted a GI tag to protect its authenticity. The unique climatic and soil conditions of the Kashmir region, along with traditional cultivation and harvesting practices, contribute to the high-quality saffron produced there. The GI tag for Kashmiri saffron helps in preserving the heritage and promoting the economic interests of the farmers and producers in the region.
Banarasi sarees are traditional sarees made in Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras) in Uttar Pradesh. These sarees are known for their intricate designs, rich silk fabric, and zari work. The celebrated Banarasi Paan has been awarded the prestigious GI tag, acknowledging its unique qualities derived from its place of origin. As a result, over 1,000 farmers will now be registered and granted the GI Authorized User Certificate. The Banarasi Paan, renowned for its delightful flavor, is crafted using special ingredients and prepared in a distinctive manner, further enhancing its appeal and reputation.
Banarasi silk sarees are woven in Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. These sarees are renowned for their intricate weaving, luxurious silk fabric, and elaborate designs, often incorporating gold and silver threads. The GI tag ensures that only sarees produced in Varanasi and neighboring areas, following specific traditional methods and using authentic materials, can be legally marketed as Banarasi sarees.
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Meticulously crafted by underprivileged and destitute women from Kashmir, Pashmina shawls embody the epitome of skillful artistry. Each piece is meticulously handspun and expertly woven, resulting in breathtakingly delicate and visually captivating shawls. The GI tag serves as a testament to their exceptional quality, affirming that these artistic masterpieces are intricately handcrafted using the finest Ladakhi Cashmere fibers, ranging from 12 to 16 microns in thickness, skillfully spun by local women and meticulously woven by hand.
Blue Pottery of Jaipur is a traditional ceramic art form characterized by its distinctive blue and white designs. It is made using a unique technique and has received a GI tag. Blue Pottery is a traditional craft of Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan in India. It is known for its distinctive blue-colored glazed pottery, which is crafted using a unique process that involves using quartz and glass powders, multani mitti (fuller's earth), and a special type of gum to create the desired shapes and designs.
These are just a few examples of the many trademark ingenious products in India that have been granted GI tags. These tags play a crucial role in promoting and protecting the traditional knowledge, skills, and heritage associated with these products.
While GI tags legally certify a product’s geographical origin, they don’t always guarantee authenticity once the item leaves its source region. This is where blockchain technology comes in — bringing transparency, traceability, and trust to every stage of the product’s journey.
1. Immutable Proof of Origin
Blockchain records each stage of a product’s creation — from raw material sourcing to artisan processing and final sale — on an unchangeable ledger. Every stakeholder adds verifiable data, ensuring that the origin and quality claims cannot be tampered with.
2. QR Code–Based Verification
Each GI-tagged item, such as a Banarasi paan box or Pashmina shawl, can carry a unique QR code linked to its blockchain record. By scanning it, consumers and inspectors can instantly verify authenticity, location of production, and the artisan or cooperative responsible.
3. Smart Contracts for Trust Automation
Smart contracts can automate GI-tag verification, payments, and certification renewals. For instance, once a Pashmina passes inspection at an authorized node, the blockchain can automatically trigger certification and payment to the artisan.
4. Counterfeit Prevention and Global Market Access
Blockchain eliminates the possibility of fake GI tags by linking product identity with verified on-chain records. This transparency boosts consumer trust, enabling artisans to command better prices in domestic and global markets.
5. Data Insights for Policymakers and Exporters
Aggregated blockchain data can help regulators and export councils monitor production patterns, demand forecasts, and regional growth — promoting policy decisions based on real-time, verifiable data.
Key takeaway: Combining GI tags with blockchain transforms local craftsmanship into globally trusted, data-backed assets that protect artisans and promote cultural heritage.
Geographical Indication (GI) tags were introduced in India to protect and promote the unique identity and reputation of products originating from specific geographical locations within the country. The main objectives of GI tags are:
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The GI Act under scrutiny, while aimed at providing legal protection and regulation for trademarks and geographical indications (GIs), has faced criticism for several perceived shortcomings. Despite its intentions for ingenious products tracing, the Act has encountered challenges that warrant careful consideration.
The lack of comprehensive support for producers and stakeholders involved in the production and promotion of GI products may hinder the development and growth of these industries. Adequate support measures, such as funding, marketing assistance, and capacity building, are essential for maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of GI products in the market.
Post-production control refers to the monitoring and regulation of the production, processing, and distribution of products protected by GIs. It ensures that the products meet the specific quality standards associated with their geographical origin. Without robust post-production control measures, there is a risk of unauthorized use, misrepresentation, or dilution of products carrying GIs. This can undermine the integrity of GIs and affect the livelihoods of producers who rely on the reputation and uniqueness of their regional products.
The credibility and effectiveness of the GI system rely on the accurate identification and authentication of products based on their geographical origin and unique qualities. Without a strong scientific foundation, there is a risk of erroneous GI-tagging, which can lead to consumer confusion and undermine the integrity of the system. It is important to ensure that the GI-tagging process is based on sound scientific principles to maintain the trust and reliability of GI products in the market.
GI (Geographical Indication) tags are used to identify products that originate from a specific geographic location and possess unique qualities or characteristics due to their origin. These tags help protect the intellectual property rights associated with traditional knowledge, skills, and cultural practices of a particular region.
Blockchain technology is a decentralized and immutable ledger that records transactions and information in a transparent and secure manner. When applied to GI tags, blockchain can provide several benefits such as :
While blockchain has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of GI tags, its adoption in this context is still in the early stages. Various initiatives and pilot projects have explored the integration of blockchain with GI tags in different regions, such as for wine, cheese, and handicrafts. However, the implementation and widespread adoption of blockchain for GI tags require collaboration among stakeholders, including producers, regulatory authorities, and technology providers.
While the benefits of blockchain for GI-tagged products are immense, practical implementation requires collaboration and careful planning.
1. Onboarding Local Artisans
Many artisans in traditional sectors lack digital exposure. Simplified blockchain interfaces and regional-language training programs are essential for inclusivity.
2. Infrastructure Costs
Deploying blockchain verification systems involves hardware (QR labels, scanning devices) and platform costs. Government and CSR partnerships can subsidize these expenses to encourage adoption.
3. Data Management and Compliance
Authorities must decide which data stays on-chain (public verification) and which remains off-chain (sensitive production details). Hybrid models—supported by platforms like Spydra—offer the right balance between transparency and security.
4. Legal and Policy Framework
Blockchain integration should align with India’s GI Act and export policies. Standardized data models will make cross-state and cross-border verification easier.
5. Long-Term Scalability
Pilot programs can begin with high-value products (like Banarasi paan or Pashmina shawls) and later expand to other crafts such as Channapatna toys or Kanchipuram silk, ensuring scalability and standardization.
Pro tip: A consortium-led blockchain model—combining government GI authorities, artisan cooperatives, and technology providers—can ensure both trust and sustainability.
With this article, it is apparent that the integration of blockchain technology with GI tags presents a promising solution to protect and promote traditional products and cultural heritage. By leveraging the immutable and transparent nature of blockchain, producers, and consumers can have enhanced trust and confidence in the authenticity and origin of these products. The use of GI tags not only safeguards the rights of artisans and communities but also ensures that consumers receive genuine and high-quality goods.
Furthermore, the blockchain-enabled GI tag system can facilitate global trade, enabling these unique products to reach wider markets and contribute to economic growth. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue exploring and implementing innovative technologies like blockchain to preserve and celebrate our diverse cultural heritage while fostering sustainable development. Through this convergence, Banarasi Paan, Pashmina shawls, and countless other treasures of our world can continue to captivate us with their richness and authenticity for generations to come.
1. What is a GI tag and why is it important?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies that a product originates from a specific region and carries unique qualities linked to that area — such as Banarasi paan or Pashmina shawls.
2. How does blockchain enhance GI-tag verification?
Blockchain creates an immutable record of the product’s journey, enabling instant authenticity verification through QR codes or NFC tags.
3. Can small artisans use blockchain easily?
Yes. Platforms like Spydra simplify onboarding by offering low-code or no-code interfaces where artisans or cooperatives can record data without technical knowledge.
4. What challenges exist in adopting blockchain for GI-tagged products?
Challenges include cost, digital literacy, and infrastructure. Public-private partnerships and simplified digital tools can help overcome these barriers.
5. How does blockchain benefit consumers and exporters?
Consumers get verified authenticity and product provenance, while exporters gain global credibility and traceability data that enhances trade value.
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