Lucknow : A special training and discussion session aimed at promoting Geographical Indication (GI) tagging for local products across Uttar Pradesh was held on Thursday at the auditorium of Krishi Bhawan, Lucknow. The initiative seeks to recognize and protect unique regional products by enabling them to receive GI tags through scientific evidence and geo-tagging.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Ravindra addressed scientists from various agricultural universities and senior officials, urging them to identify region-specific products in their vicinity that possess unique characteristics. He instructed them to gather supporting evidence and initiate efforts toward obtaining GI tags for these products. Stressing the economic and cultural value of such tags, Ravindra also directed all agricultural universities to conduct one-day workshops on GI tagging on their respective campuses. He encouraged institutions to seek guidance from Padma Shri awardee Dr. Rajnikant Dwivedi, popularly known as the GI Man of India, in case any assistance is needed.
Calling the mission a “prestigious task of rediscovering ancient social heritage and enriching society”, Ravindra emphasized how GI tagging could serve as a catalyst for community-based economic development while preserving traditional identities.
During the training session, Dr. Rajnikant Dwivedi elaborated on the current status and progress of GI-tagged products in India with illustrative examples. He discussed the legal significance, benefits, and commercial utility of GI tags and outlined the process of identifying local products worthy of GI recognition. Dr. Dwivedi also spoke about turning GI-recognized products into viable trade commodities, contributing to local economic upliftment.
The session was attended by a distinguished panel of officials including Agriculture Secretary Indra Vikram Singh, Special Secretary Agriculture O.P. Verma, the Director of Agriculture, Additional Directors for Oilseeds, Land Conservation, Wheat & Coarse Grains, Agricultural Protection, as well as other senior headquarters officials. Zonal Joint Directors of Agriculture and directors and representatives from agricultural universities also participated in the event.
The workshop underscored the growing relevance of GI tags in protecting traditional knowledge systems and promoting rural entrepreneurship, especially in a state as diverse and culturally rich as Uttar Pradesh.
