8 products of Himachal Pradesh granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag

Key facts

• Eight traditional products of Himachal Pradesh have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, increasing the total number of GI-tagged products from the state to 17.
• The newly registered products are Seabuckthorn (Chharma) of Spiti, Salooni Safed Makka, Chamba Metal Art, Sirmauri Loiya, Kinnauri Topi, Sepuvadi of Mandi, Kinnauri apple, and Kinnauri jewellery.
• The registrations were secured through the Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE).
• The state government is pursuing GI registration for four additional indigenous products: Bhot Jau (barley from the Pangi region of Chamba), Chamba Chukh, Plectranthus honey (from the Bharmour region of Chamba), and Sirmaur ginger.
• The nine previously registered products of Himachal Pradesh include Kullu Shawl, Kangra tea, Chamba Rumal, Kinnauri shawl, Kangra painting, Himachali Kalazeera, Himachali Chulli oil, Chamba chappal, and Lahauli Knitted socks and gloves.
• GI products are protected under The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.