An artist depicts village life through Batik Art near the Assembly.
| Photo Credit: GIRI KVS
Telangana is gearing up for a significant expansion in its Geographical Indication (GI) portfolio, with plans to file for GI status for ten new products in 2025. The initiative aims to highlight the State’s rich agricultural and handicraft heritage. Currently, Telangana boasts 17 GI-registered products and the new filings are expected to raise this number to 27 by the end of next year.
Among the six new handicraft and cultural products identified for GI filings are Hyderabad’s pearls, Armoor turmeric from Nizamabad, Narayanpet’s jewellery-making craft, Batik painting from Medak, Banjara needlecraft from Nalgonda and Banjara tribal jewellery. In parallel, the Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) is working on securing GI recognition for four agricultural products. These include Balanagar custard apple, Nalgonda Dosakaya (an Oriental Pickling Melon), Anab-e-Shahi grapes and Khammam chilli.
India has so far recorded 1,408 GI filings, of which 658 have been registered, positioning the country as a global leader in recognising and protecting unique products linked to specific geographies. Telangana’s efforts, alongside these national milestones, highlight its commitment to preserving and promoting its heritage.
Subhajit Saha, a GI practitioner and founder of Resolote4IP, has been pivotal in the GI recognition journey for Telangana. Mr. Saha has facilitated 27 of the 36 GI registrations from the two States, including products like Pochampally Ikat, Hyderabad Lac Bangles, Warangal Chilli and various indigenous mango varieties. Mr. Saha previously served as the GI Nodal Officer for Telangana during his tenure with the Confederation of Indian Industry.
Mr. Saha outlined the six essential criteria for a product to qualify for GI status. The product must originate from a specific geographic location, maintain a strong link to that area, and have a local, national, or global reputation. Additionally, historical evidence of the product’s existence, its uniqueness compared to similar items and its production by a specific community are vital for GI eligibility.
Published – December 31, 2024 07:42 pm IST