GI Tags of Ladakh

What is GI Tag?

A GI or Geographical Indication is a name or a sign given to certain products that relate to a specific geographical location or origins like a region, town, or country.
Using Geographical Indications may be regarded as a certification that the particular product is produced as per traditional methods, has certain specific qualities, or has a particular reputation because of its geographical origin.
Geographical indications are typically used for wine and spirit drinks, foodstuffs, agricultural products, handicrafts, and industrial products.
GI Tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorized users are allowed to use the popular product name. To function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.

Raktsey Karpo, from a family of apricots, is packed with vitamins low on calories is rich in sorbitol – a natural glucose substitute that can be consumed by diabetics.
The oil from its seed is known to relieve back aches and joint pain.
These apricots are grown organically as individuals on trees or in clusters without using any chemical fertilizers.
In Ladakh, it is locally known as ‘Chuli’.
The native apricot genotypes of Ladakh possess unique characteristics, such as high TSS (Total dissolved solids) content, late and extended flowering and fruit maturity, and white seed stone phenotype.
It is classified into two broad categories based on kernel taste and stone color.
- Khante: Fruits with bitter kernels.
- Nyarmo: Fruits with sweet kernels.
They are further divided into two sub-groups based on seed stone color.
Raktsey Karpo (Rakstey means seed, karpo means white): Fruit with white seed stone is called.
Raktsey Nakpo or Nyarmo (black seeded): Fruit with brown seed stone.
It is being promoted under One District One Product for Kargil (Ladakh).
In India, it is grown in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and to a limited extent in North Eastern Hills.
Trees can tolerate winter temperatures as cold as −30 °C or lower if in a healthy state.

Wood carving of Ladakh has been an aesthetically vibrant art form in the Ladakh region.
Ladakh’s wood carving has been known for its intricate designs and unique patterns.
The designs are mostly inspired by Buddhist themes and motifs.
The wood carvings are made from local wood such as willow and apricot.
They are often used for decorating doors, windows, and other household items.
The most ubiquitous piece of furniture is the ‘chokste’, a low-height wooden table.
The heavily ornamental carving is either simply polished or painted and then varnished.
The GI tag will make the cultural traditions of Ladakh popular and benefit wood carving artisans of Ladakh.

Origin: Changthang Plateau, Ladakh
Material: Undercoat wool of Changthang goats, known for its exceptional softness and warmth
Quality: Finer and warmer than regular cashmere, with a luxurious feel
Products: Shawls, scarves, sweaters, and other garments
Significance: Renowned for its unparalleled quality and unique provenance, a prized possession for many.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae L) a shrub that produces an orange-yellow colored edible berry is sour in taste but rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C.
- Ladakh Sea Buckthorn is a vital crop in Union Territory Ladakh, with 90% of its production originating from the region.
- It is also popularly known as ‘Wonder Plant’, “Ladakh Gold”, “Golden Bush” or “Gold Mine”.
In India, it is found above the tree line in the Himalayan region, generally in dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti.
It is a soil-binding plant that prevents soil erosion, checks siltation in rivers, and helps preserve floral biodiversity.

Geographical Indications are covered as a component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
At the International level, GI is governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from September 2003.
The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.

The Geographical Indication registration confers the following benefits:

Legal protection for the products
Prevents unauthorized use of GI tag products by others
It helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits and is assured of authenticity
Promotes the economic prosperity of producers of GI tag goods by enhancing their demand in national and international markets

GI Tags of Punjab	UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India
Ramsar Convention and Ramsar Sites in India	Garba: Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage