Kuttiyadi Coconut : GI Tag

Why in the News?

Kuttiyadi Coconut from Kozhikode, Kerala, is being considered for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and Kavilumpara Gram Panchayat have collaboratively launched the initiative.
The variety is high-yielding, pest- and drought-resistant, long-living (100+ years), and produces larger, heavier fruits with more oil content.
A GI tag is expected to help farmers in better marketing and income generation.

About GI Tag :

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a label for products originating from a particular region, whose unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics are linked to that area.
A Geographical Indication (GI) is considered a form of intellectual property right.
In India, GI is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (in force since 2003).
Valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Benefits – Legal protection, prevents unauthorised use, boosts exports and rural economy.

Major GI Tags in India:

• Darjeeling Tea – First GI tag in India (2004).
  Basmati Rice – Famous aromatic rice.
  Mysore Silk, Kanchipuram Silk, Banarasi Saree – Renowned textiles.
  Alphonso Mango, Nagpur Orange, Malabar Pepper – Popular agricultural GI products.
  Aranmula Kannadi (Kerala), Channapatna Toys (Karnataka), Madhubani Paintings (Bihar) – Handicraft GI products.

GI Tags in Kerala (Examples) :

• Alleppey Green Cardamom
• Malabar Pepper
• Wayanad Jeerakasala Rice
• Vazhakulam Pineapple
• Kasaragod Saree
• Now – Kuttiyadi Coconut (under process)

Organisation Related to GI in India :

• The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) in Chennai, operating under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, manages the registration of Geographical Indications (GI).
• State Agricultural Universities, Research Institutes, and local bodies often take the lead in applications.
  Export Promotion Councils and APEDA also support GI products in international markets.