A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin (WIPO).Geographical Indication, an exclusive community rights, recognizes the importance of location, climate and human know how in making the products distinguished on the basis of their unique intrinsic attributes. It acts as an effective tool in protecting and rewarding the market potential of elite items and also the traditional knowledge associated with them (Kishore,2018).Since the enactment of the Geographical Indications of Goods(Registration and Protection) Act, 108 agricultural items have been accorded with GI tags till date and among them the horticultural items has its share of more than 75 percent. Among horticultural crops, maximum GIs have been accorded to fruit crops (38nos) followed by Plantation crops(14nos).Vegetable crops and spices share 12 and 13 GI tags whereas flower crops and aromatic plants conferred with 5 and 3 GI tags, respectively. North East India comprising of eight states is rich in diversity of many fruits, vegetables, flowers particularly orchids, spices and medicinal plants (Deka et al., 2012).It is evident from the list of registered GIs, how other states have quickly grabbed the opportunity and secured GI tagging of their goods and produce peculiar to their region. However, Northeast India, inspite of its rich horticultural diversity have not been able to take advantage of GI tagging. The horticultural produce of Northeast India got leg up with as many as 12 products accorded GI tags. GI tags will pave the way for better branding and marketing of these horticultural products both in domestic and international Market, besides protecting local crops and facilitating better return to legitimate rural producers. | Geographical indications in horticulture: North east India perspective
