India’s GI Applications Cross 2,000 Mark As Centre Pushes 2030 Target

The surge has been particularly sharp in recent months with 510 GI applications filed in FY 2025–26, the highest in any single fiscal year, over 780 applications filed in the last two financial years and 21 applications filed in just three days, highlighting the acceleration. Experts attribute the spike in filings to proactive government measures, including a significant reduction in application fees from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1,000 last year, making the process more accessible for producers and communities. Steady Growth Since Early GI Registrations India’s GI ecosystem has expanded significantly since the first application for Darjeeling tea was filed in October 2003. Total GI-registered products now stand at 724. Coverage spans agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, and traditional goods Earlier, Khavda pottery became the 1,482nd application on April 1, 2025, marking the beginning of the recent surge. Boost to Local Economies and Exports The expansion of GI tagging is expected to enhance global recognition of regional products, strengthen rural and artisan economies, support export promotion under initiatives like Districts as Export Hubs and protect traditional knowledge and intellectual property. With a sharp rise in applications and policy support, India’s GI ecosystem is witnessing unprecedented growth, positioning local products for stronger domestic value addition and global market access as the country moves toward its 2030 target. (KNN Bureau)