Inaugurates 2-day workshop on Geographical Indications of North-Western Himalayas at SKUAST-Jammu
KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jan 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a two-day workshop on Geographical Indications (GIs) of North-Western Himalayas today at SKUAST-Jammu. The workshop aims to sensitise all stakeholders on GIs, the oldest category of trademarks, identify potential products & formulate future strategy to empower rural communities.
The Lt Governor lauded the efforts of SKUAST Jammu and Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Department for bringing experts of Geographical Indication, Intellectual Property Rights, experts, officials on a common platform to chalk out constraints and opportunities from the farmer’s and artisan’s perspective.
“Geographical Indication could be a game changer for rural economy and J&K will lead in GIs use for agricultural & handicraft sectors. GIs also has the potential to substantially extend wider benefits to rural areas while strengthening historical and cultural link between place & people”, observed the Lt Governor.
Besides ensuring sustainable livelihoods and generating more income for producers, GIs will also play a key role in protection of indigenous knowledge. It will help the particular geographical area to produce and sustain niche market products, the Lt Governor added.
Highlighting the significance of Geographical Indications in the 21st century economy, the Lt Governor said, the UT Government is making dedicated efforts for GI tagging of niche & premium local products and helping them to create their distinctive identity.
GI Tagging of Kashmir’s Saffron, hand knotted carpets, papier mache and several other products resulted in huge success for local producers. GI Tagging of several other products are in the pipeline which will bring socio-economic prosperity in respective areas, he added.
Since GIs denote the origin and the quality of products, our aim is to establish local brands in the global market through effective brand & marketing strategy. Other mechanisms are also being evolved to address the challenges faced by producers, the Lt Governor further added.
‘People First’ is our mantra to speed up the pace of sustainable development. Special impetus is being given to create physical, economic & knowledge connectivity to reduce Rural-Urban gap, improving rural economy, and protecting the interest of small & marginal farmers, the Lt Governor said.
GI Tagging of Kashmir’s Saffron, hand knotted carpets, papier mache and several other products resulted in huge success for local producers. GI Tagging of several other products are in the pipeline which will bring socio-economic prosperity in respective areas, he added.
