India is a land of diverse topographies, ranging from high mountains like the Himalayas to beaches and deserts, India has it all. Being a nation famous for its extensive agriculture and farming, India is also the originator of different plant species, crops, spices, herbs, etc. Owing to distinctive topography, arable land and diverse culture, presently India has tagged more than 360 geographical indications. In common parlance, a geographical indication is a tag referred to indicate a certain product originating from a specific place that possesses some attributes, in respect of such native place. Such distinctive product indications form a relevant part of Intellectual Property Rights and are protected under the provisions of Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, enacted by the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Darjeeling Tea, in 2004, was the first beverage to get GI recognition. As a matter of fact, presently more than 250 products have applied to get recognition and registration under the GI Act of 1999. Talking about protection, the Act protects and governs GI tagged goods and exclude unauthorized persons from marketing in the name of such goods and ultimately to prevent confusion or deception amongst consumers. Although, the scope of GI in India is presently limited it is expected to grow and prosper in the upcoming years.

Recently, the State Government of Goa acquired a GI tag for locally-reputed Khola Chillies, also known as, Canacona chillies, exclusively grown in the Khola village of Goa. These brilliant red-coloured, medium-pungent tasting chillies require rainy conditions and hence, are grown on the rainfed hilly slopes of Khola region. These October-blooming chillies got an okay report by Bambolin-based Food and Drugs Laboratory in respect of quality standard, in accordance with Food Safety and Standard Regulations of 2011.    

The Minister of Science and Technology, Michel Lobo said that the government is further planning to apply for GI registrations for Goa’s reputed coconut vinegar, local rice varieties, mancurad mango, harmal chillies and mandolin bananas. He further added, “When farmers get GI tags for their crops, they will be able to promote their produce-this is our objective. We want more youngsters in Goa to take up farming”.

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