Notice to Bengal over GI tag for 'Rosogolla

• The Geographical Indication (GI) Registry has issued a notice to the West Bengal State Food Processing and Horticulture Development Corporation, asking why the GI recognition given to ‘Banglar Rosogolla’ not be withdrawn.
• A petition was recently filed objecting to the GI status procured by West Bengal for ‘Banglar Rosogolla’ four months ago.
• The petitioner questioned the data and documents provided by West Bengal for getting GI tag for this famous sweet.
• He had also pointed out that Odisha was not given a chance to explain its stance when the West Bengal State Food Processing & Horticulture Development Corporation applied for GI status.

About Geographical indicators:

• GI(Geographical Indications) are signs used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that place of origin.
• Agricultural products typically have qualities that derive from their place of production and are influenced by specific local factors, such as climate and soil. They may also highlight specific qualities of a product, which are due to human factors that can be found in the place of origin of the products, such as specific manufacturing skills and traditions.
• A geographical indication points to a specific place or region of production that determines the characteristic qualities of the product that originates therein. It is important that the product derives its qualities and reputation from that place.
• Place of origin may be a village or town, a region or a country. It is an exclusive right given to a particular community hence the benefits of its registration are shared by the all members of the community.
• Keeping in view the large diversity of traditional products spread all over the country, the registration under GI will be very important in future growth of the tribes / communities / skilled artisans associated in developing such products.

Analysis:

• There are number of challenges with the Geographical indicators. Firstly, An important dimension of GI is that it does not protect knowledge or technology as such. It only protects the name or indication. This essentially means that the famous Banarasi sari can be produced anywhere in the world but it cannot be named ‘Banarasi sari’. For a price-conscious consumer, it might not make much sense to buy GI certified products at a premium, if the same product is available elsewhere.
• Secondly, there is the ambiguity in the definition of the term ‘producer’ in the legislation which does not distinguish between real producer, retailer or dealer.
• Thirdly, Government activities related to GI is concentrated mostly on registering GI products where the state governments are acting in haste. Identification of GI based products and their registration is happening without adequate due thoroughness. Groups filling for GI registration do not assess the commercial prospect of a GI product in the domestic and international markets or the potential of such registration in contributing towards the future growth of the product as well as the socio-economic implication for the communities involved in the supply chain.
• fourthly, Defining the exact geographical boundaries of a product is often a big challenge, particularly in the context of non-agricultural products.
• Fifthly, There is currently exists no standard procedures for consultation before registration and it is most probable that pre- application process may end up in inadequate consultations with various stakeholders including retailers. While marketing and promotion efforts may need sustained commitment of resources, yet there is no guarantee of such success particularly for new GI products. There is also constant need for building capacity and awareness about GIs among various stakeholders including consumers.

By: Vishal