Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) are pushing for 11 GI tags

EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI  | Hyderabad 

Telangana is leaving no stone unturned in increasing its Geographical Indications (GI) portfolio. The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana in association with the financial institution National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is pitching for eleven more GI tags.  

The state already has 18 GI tags, with the latest being awarded to Hyderabad’s famous lac bangles in 2024. There is every chance that Telangana will add to its kitty its 19th GI tag in April for the Warangal Chapata Chilli, said Subhajit Saha, a GI expert and founder of Resolute4IP and Intellectual Property Rights Awareness Society.

The state has identified 11 more unique products for GI filing. Among these are six handicrafts and cultural treasures: Hyderabad’s pearls, Narayanpet’s jewellery-making craft, the Batik paintings of Medak, Nalgonda’s Banjara needle craft, Banjara tribal jewellery, and the distinctive Kothakota mutton.

Telangana is focusing on agricultural products. Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) is working to secure GI tags for special crops: Balanagar custard apple, Nalgonda Dosakaya (Oriental Pickling Melon), Anab-e-Shahi grapes, Khammam chilli, and Armoor turmeric from Nizamabad.

Subhajit Saha, says, “A GI tag gives legal protection to the registered name, making the product more valuable and respected. It benefits local communities by boosting rural entrepreneurship and also helps fight against misuse or fake products,” he said.

He added, “A GI tag makes a product known across the world, whether it’s food, art, or something else. It helps artisans, farmers, and industries earn a fair price and grow their business with pride. It also attracts premium industries and creates opportunities for governments to earn revenue.”

The government’s efforts to promote GI-tagged products are helping Telangana gain recognition on a global scale. Whether it’s the timeless craft of Hyderabad’s pearls or the unique flavors of its agricultural produce, each GI tag tells a story of the state’s rich culture and hard work.