J&K’s Pashmina among India’s 800-plus GI products as Centre targets 10,000 registrations by 2030

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, Aug 4: Jammu & Kashmir’s world-renowned Pashmina has been highlighted among India’s leading Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products as the Centre unveiled an ambitious roadmap to expand the country’s GI ecosystem, with a target of 10,000 GI registrations by 2030.

In a background note released on Tuesday, the government said Geographical Indication (GI) tags are emerging as a key instrument for protecting India’s traditional products, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing rural livelihoods and expanding exports.

The PIB backgrounder places Pashmina from Jammu & Kashmir among the country’s prominent GI-tagged handicrafts, underscoring its importance as one of India’s globally recognised heritage products. The Centre said GI certification protects products linked to specific geographical regions, preventing imitation while enabling artisans and producers to secure better prices and greater recognition in domestic and international markets.

According to the government, India is now home to more than 800 registered GI products, with 607 GI registrations granted since 2014. The number of authorised GI users has also grown sharply—from 365 a decade ago to around 29,000 as of January 2025.

Opportunity for Jammu & Kashmir

The government’s renewed focus on GI products could provide fresh opportunities for Jammu & Kashmir, where several traditional crafts and agricultural products possess strong geographical identities.

Besides Pashmina, the Union Territory is known for products such as Kashmir Saffron, Kani Shawls, Kashmir Papier Mâché, Walnut Wood Carving, Sozni Embroidery and other traditional crafts that have obtained GI protection over the years. Experts believe stronger branding, export promotion and tourism integration could significantly improve incomes for artisans and producers in the region.

The PIB note states that GI tags not only safeguard authenticity but also enhance consumer confidence, strengthen bargaining power for producers and facilitate access to premium domestic and overseas markets. Citing Ministry of Textiles estimates, it says GI recognition can increase rural artisans’ incomes by 20 to 30 per cent.

Legal reforms and reduced costs

The Centre said India’s GI framework has been strengthened through amendments to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules in 2025.

Among the major changes, the fee for filing GI applications and related procedures has been reduced by 80 per cent, while the renewal fee has been cut from ₹3,000 to ₹500, making registration more affordable for producer groups.

Under the law, GI registration remains valid for ten years and can be renewed thereafter. Applications may be filed by recognised producer associations, organisations or statutory authorities representing producers before the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

Government support for GI products

The Centre said it is promoting GI products through a range of initiatives designed to improve visibility, marketing and exports.

These include PM Ekta Malls (Unity Malls) to showcase GI and One District One Product (ODOP) items, One Station One Product (OSOP) stalls at railway stations, financial assistance for GI registration and legal protection, support under the National Handloom and National Handicrafts Development Programmes, and export promotion through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The government is also integrating GI products into tourism through dedicated “GI Trails”, exhibitions, trade fairs and international promotional events.

Exports gaining momentum

According to the backgrounder, India’s GI-tagged products are increasingly finding markets abroad, with major export destinations including the United Kingdom, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, the United States and South Korea.

The Centre cited several recent export successes, including Karnataka’s GI fruits to the Maldives, Salem Sago to Canada, Joha Rice to the UK and Italy, and Tezpur Litchi to Dubai, resulting in higher returns for producers.

It also noted that GI protection has become an important component of India’s ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, including discussions with the European Union and New Zealand, aimed at securing stronger international recognition for Indian regional products.

Scope for expanding J&K’s GI economy

For Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre’s renewed emphasis on GI products comes at a time when policymakers are seeking to increase exports of traditional crafts and horticultural products.

Industry observers say the next challenge for the Union Territory lies not merely in securing GI registrations but in translating them into commercial success through stronger branding, quality assurance, better market access, producer awareness, and protection against counterfeit products.

With the Centre targeting 10,000 GI registrations by 2030, Jammu & Kashmir’s traditional crafts and agricultural products are expected to remain an important part of India’s strategy to build a globally recognised heritage economy while improving livelihoods in rural and artisan communities.