Srinagar: In a significant boost to the agricultural and traditional produce sector of Jammu and Kashmir, seven products from the Union Territory have been awarded Geographical Indication, or GI, tags, strengthening their legal protection and market identity.
The products that have secured GI recognition include Sulai Honey from Ramban, Bhaderwah Rajmash, Kaladi of Udhampur–Ramnagar, Basmati Rice from Jammu, Ramban Anardana, Mushqbudji Rice, and the internationally acclaimed Kashmir Saffron.
Officials said that the GI tagging will help protect these region-specific products from imitation and misuse, while enhancing their branding and export potential. The certification formally acknowledges the unique geographical origin and traditional cultivation practices associated with these products.
In addition to the seven recognized items, around 20 more crops and products from Jammu and Kashmir are currently in the pipeline for GI registration, reflecting a focused push towards safeguarding indigenous varieties and boosting farmer incomes.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, including SKUAST–Jammu and SKUAST–Kashmir, have registered a total of 164 patents, marking progress in research, innovation, and agricultural technology development in the region.
Officials described the developments as a major step towards strengthening intellectual property rights in the agriculture and allied sectors, with an emphasis on value addition and global competitiveness. [KNT]
