Geographical Indications (GI) in 2026: Boosting Rural Economies
As of early 2026, India has surpassed 650 registered GI tags, with Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh leading the count. Recent policy reforms now allow micro-enterprises and local communities to directly seek “Authorized User” status without procedural dependence on the original proprietor. This decentralization has turned GI tags into powerful branding tools for rural artisans, protecting them from unfair competition and “counterfeit” traditional goods.
The Economic Power of the GI Tag
In our fieldwork at DURRO IP, we’ve seen how GI registration:
- Preserves Biodiversity: Products like the Coorg Orange or Palakkadan Matta Rice are protected from genetic dilution.
- Enhances Export Value: A GI tag acts as a “Certificate of Authenticity” for global markets, often commanding a 20-30% premium in price.