Geographical indications can help India grow

Indian agriculture is gradually adjusting to global realities. The strategy of extending consumer assurance by way of geographic indication and appellations of origin has become a pivot for global commodity trade.

Ginger, one of the earliest known oriental spices, is produced in the northeast of the country both as fresh vegetable and as dried spice.

The ginger grown in the Karbi Anglong region of Assam has a buoyant market around the world. The demand for this particular ginger has prompted the district administration to apply for a geographical indication (GI) certificate to protect the region-specific characteristics and flavour of Karbi ginger.

Abhai Pandey is a lawyer with LEX ORBIS IP Practice, a law firm specializing in intellectual property issues.