Role of geographical indication in rural development

Geographical indication is stronger tool for rural development and protects the IP rights associated with agricultural products originating in specific geographical region. It helps in creating relationship between the agricultural products and the area to which it belongs. The unique agricultural products of rural communities associated with GI needs for rural development. Most of the geographical region are surrounded in rural areas due to it is create more chances for rural development. GI tag provides legal protection to the product and also prevents unauthorized use of GI tag products by others. GI tag helps consumers to get quality product. There are three types of geographical indication like protected designation of origin, protected geographical indication and traditional specialties guaranteed. Total there are 96 GI tagged in agricultural produce. Among them gir kesar mango is second variety to get GI tag after dashehari and its specific feature is pulp is like saffron so it’s called kesar mango. Alphanso from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra, are registered as geographical indication and its fruit quality is excellent and keeping quality is good. Muzaffarpur state’s shahi litchi has got the GI tag for its sweetness, juicy and unique flavour and aroma. One of the major advantages of GI is that it gives direct information to consumers conveying the origin as well as the quality possessed by it. The residents in rural area from the major recipients of GI product which generates more income and employment opportunities.