Mysuru mallige (jasmine), Mysuru veeledyele (betel leaf) and Nanjangud rasabale (banana variety) are among the prominent GI marked products from the Mysuru region. | Photo credit: File photo
With more than 600 products in India receiving Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, despite the country’s vast untapped potential, the Indian government strongly supports the rich GI heritage and has set an ambitious target of 10,000 GI registrations by 2030.
K. Ganesh Moorthy, Managing Director and CEO, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development – Madurai Agri Business Incubation Forum (NABARD–MABIF), told the press in Mysore on December 5 – after inaugurating GI Mahotsav 3.0, an initiative of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to promote GI products, currently awaiting recognition of GI2 products in India,50 GI0 countries.
Long certification process
“The certification process under the GI Act is lengthy as many factors need to be explored. More awareness programs are being held to get more people to apply for registration with unique products,” he said.
Giridhar Parvatham, director, Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), said the institute is ready to promote GI promotion by identifying unique features of food products seeking GI tag. CFTRI has already developed value added products from Mysuru betel leaves and Nanjangud rasabale, which have long received GI recognition.
E. Somasundaram, Director, Directorate of Agricultural Development, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, said the demand for food made from GI sources is increasing as people today look for organic and chemical-free food. A database of potential GI products must be prepared and recognized, he said, adding that farmers’ organizations can play a big role with the support of the ministry.
Msuru Mallige (Jasmine), Msuru Veeledeyele (Bethel Leaf) and Nanjangud Rasabale (Banana variety) are among the products from the MESURU REGION. Karnataka has around 45 gi certified products including Byadagi Chilli and Coorg orange. Visvesvaaya Trade Support Center in Bengarur Coordinates gi registrations in the state.
Mr. Moorthy said that Tamil Nadu has secured GI tags for 69 products while 120 other products are awaiting recognition.
Earlier, while delivering his inaugural speech at the GI Mahotsav, the CFTRI director said that 605 products have received GI tags so far, with handicrafts accounting for the highest number at 342, followed by agricultural products 197, food products 45, manufactured products 18 and organic products three.
In the country, Uttar Pradesh leads with 74 GI products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 69 and Karnataka with 46.
CFTRI said GI Mahotsav 3.0 is a tribute to India’s artisans, farmers and traditional product manufacturers whose knowledge and skills form the backbone of the country’s GI ecosystem.
Published – 05 Dec 2025 20:25 IST
