Of over 400 GI products of India, 35 are from Kerala.
Geographical Indication (GI) products from Kerala have the potential to make a big impact in global market and the state government will provide all support to the producers to achieve this goal, feels the state government.
P. Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, who spoke while launching the website for GI products developed by the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Kerala on the sidelines of its one-day conclave on GI, said producers of GI products will be given legal backup to insulate them from spurious products flooding the market, besides facilitating working capital for coming out with value-added items derived from GI products. A nodal officer will also be appointed for the coordination of GI activities in the state.
Kerala GI products on a common platform
The website will give access to all GI products of Kerala in a common place. The conclave was part of the initiatives to encourage products having GI Tag in the state and to scale up their brand-value, business and marketing techniques.
It is a matter of pride that of over 400 GI products of India, 35 are from Kerala, the Minister said, adding “we have to identify more indigenous products from across the state and encourage them, besides thinking of coming out with value-added items from these products,” he said.
Referring to the government’s initiative of creating one lakh MSMEs, he said as part of this an Entrepreneurship Mega Meet will be held on January 21 in Ernakulam. Suman Billa, Principal Secretary – Industries, suggested the drawing up of a roadmap for legal understanding and marketing so as to ensure that GI products get a space in global market.
Speaking on the procedures to be followed after receiving GI status, former Professor of Kerala Agricultural University, Dr C R Elsy, said the producers should initiate steps for establishing and sustaining the markets. After getting the certificate, the products should secure government registration and online platforms can be used for marketing. Also, awareness programmes can be conducted to identify the marketing potential of GI products by creating linkages with tourism.
GI tag will enable consumers to choose quality products and ensure their authenticity. By securing the GI tag, products will get great acceptance in domestic and global market. Chennai-based Geographical Indications Registry is providing the GI tags and the duplication of these tags will attract penalty.
GI products can be registered on e-comm site
The Department of Industries & Commerce is taking measures to give widespread popularity and marketing of products having GI tags in the state. Besides, GI products can be registered on the e-commerce website for the marketplace of products by ventures.
The products that have got the GI status include Balaramapuram Handloom, Aranmula Mirror, Alappuzha Coir, Central Travancore jaggery, Marayur jaggery, Alappuzha green cardamom, Chendamangalam dhothis, Pokkali rice, Vazhakkulam pineapple, Kuthambulli dhothis and saris, Chengalikkodan banana, Palakkad madhalam, Navara rice, Palakkadan matta rice and Nilambur teakwood.
The conclave is aimed at finding a solution for the problems being faced by GI producers, including the present status of their trade and understand the areas where they would like the intervention of the state government. The meet threw light on the vital matters that the producers should realise after getting the GI status. Classes also were held on how to sell the GI products through digital marketing.