Kamal Ghorui
What are the main reasons for Bihar not getting GI tags on its unique products and artworks?The primary hurdle has been the lack of rigorous scientific and historical documentation. A GI tag requires exhaustive proof a product’s unique characteristics are closely linked to its specific geography, climate and traditional practices. In Bihar, much of our traditional knowledge remained oral and undocumented.Additionally, GI tags are granted to producer groups or associations, not individuals. The absence of organised cooperative structures among farmers and artisans made it difficult to file legal claims. There was also a significant awareness gap; many stakeholders were unaware their local products, such as unique varieties of rice or hand-woven textiles, held considerable intellectual property value that required legal protection to thrive in competitive global markets.What is RPCAU doing to increase the number of products with GI tags?RPCAU is acting as a “technical and legal anchor” for Bihar’s heritage products. We recently celebrated a major milestone when Marcha rice (Maricha dhan) of West Champaran received the GI tag exclusively under our technical guidance and facilitation.Beyond research, we have entered into strategic partnerships, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Great Mission Consultancy Group, Pune, to provide a formal framework for identifying and registering potential products. We are currently working on the scientific characterisation of several indigenous varieties and documenting their DNA profiling and biochemical properties to meet the stringent requirements of the GI Registry.By forming Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), we are giving local communities the legal personality required to hold and manage these prestigious tags.What is the significance of a GI tag? Does it benefit people of a particular region?A GI tag is essentially a certificate of origin that grants legal protection against unauthorised use. Its significance is three-fold: economic, legal and cultural. For the people of Bihar, it can be transformative. It eliminates brand hijacking, where inferior products from other regions are sold under Bihar’s well-known names.Economically, it allows farmers to command a premium price — often between 20% and 50% higher than non-tagged varieties — because global consumers are willing to pay for authenticity. For example, recognition of Mithila makhana or Shahi litchi has opened direct export channels, reducing farmers’ dependence on exploitative middlemen. It creates a “Brand Bihar” identity, fostering a sense of pride and ensuring the economic benefits of a region’s heritage remain within the community.How should farmers and other stakeholders be made aware of the advantages of securing GI tags for their products?Awareness must move from the seminar hall to the farm gate. We are using our Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to conduct grassroots workshops in local dialects, explaining GI tags as “Aapki Mitti ki Pehchan” (The Identity of Your Soil).Stakeholders must see tangible success stories, such as farmers of West Champaran finding better markets for Marcha rice. We are also advocating digital traceability; when a farmer realises a QR code on his product can inform buyers about its origin, the value of a GI tag becomes self-evident.Any other suggestions?We need to invest in dedicated GI-branded processing units and cold chains to maintain the quality of GI-tagged products. Integration of agro-tourism with GI products can be a game changer. A “Litchi Trail” in Muzaffarpur or a ‘Makhana Circuit’ in Mithila may be developed where tourists visit the place of origin, witness traditional harvesting and purchase authentic products.We must also establish strict quality control hubs to ensure any product carrying the GI logo meets the highest standards.
