Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena today inaugurated an exhibition featuring registered and potential Geographical Indication (GI) products of Himachal Pradesh at the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex. The event was organized by the Patent Information Centre of the State Council for Science, Technology and would continue till 16 June, 2024.
The exhibition showcases about 15 registered and potential GI products from the state. These products includes Kullu shawl and Kullu logo, Kangra tea, Chamba rumal, Kinnauri shawl, Kangra painting, Himachali kala jeera, chulli oil, Chamba chappal, and Lahuli socks and gloves. Additionally, potential GI products identified for registration include Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri jewellery, Spiti chharma, Bharmour rajma, Pangi ki thangi, Chamba chukh, red rice, dasangru and Sirmauri loia, Karsog kulthi, Himachali dham, Himachali musical instruments, Kinnauri apple, and sepu badi.
An application has been made for the registration of Chamba metal craft. Shri Saxena, while emphasizing the importance of GI tags, said that these tags were given to products with a specific geographical origin, such as Chamba rumal, Chamba chappal, Kangra tea, and Kangra painting.
He said that the registration of GI products provides legal protection, enhances their export potential and promotes the economic prosperity of producers in specific geographical areas. The exhibition offers an opportunity for both locals and tourists to learn about GI products and purchase valuable traditional items.
He said that this exhibition was an opportunity for locals as well as tourists to know about GI products and to purchase precious traditional items. Member Secretary (HIMCOSTE) D.C Rana and Joint Member Secretary (HIMCOSTE) Dr. Suresh C. Attri were also present in the inauguration ceremony.