SRINAGAR: Today at Kashmir Haat in Srinagar, the week-long “GI Mahotsav” was launched by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The Lt. Governor thanked the Agriculture Production Department for giving farmers, craftspeople, artisans, business owners, and other stakeholders from all over the nation a great platform to showcase their wares and exchange best practises for the commercialization of GI-tagged goods in his remarks. “Geographical Indications seek to safeguard and advertise goods made in a particular region. “GI Tag is a treasure that can boost export of protected goods and give a boost to the J&K economy,” the Lt. Governor remarked.He asserted that the numerous GI Tags for regional goods from J&K, such as Bhaderwah Rajmash, Ramban Sulai Honey, Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft, Mushqbudji Rice, Basohli Painting, and Kashmir Saffron, will shield them from forgers and unfair competition while also raising the value of these goods’ sales. At the opening ceremony, the Lt. Governor emphasised the efforts made by the UT Administration, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction, to promote the distinctive qualities of the UT of J&K’s agriculture, food, and handmade goods. “GIs of J&K products will be a game-changer for the rural economy and the high quality of these products will benefit the entire community of producers,” the Lt. Governor declared.To change the rural economy, he urged a successful push to popularise GIs. The Lt. Governor stated that more than 504 GIs of India reflect traditional cultural values and the variety of goods that our agricultural, handicraft, and handloom sectors have to offer. He continued, “We can increase exports and also receive higher values in the global market by protecting and promoting these products through Brand Positioning and Innovative marketing strategy.” In order to close the gap between farmers and consumers, the Lt. Governor urged producers, Farmers’ and trade associations, and the administration to collaborate on developing the product, communication, and distribution network. To safeguard the interests of small-marginal farmers and small handicrafts units, he noted, we also need to pay attention to quality, product requirements, and regulations.The Lt. Governor was thanked by Som Prakash, the Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, for hosting the GI Mahotsav in honour of Gandhi Jayanti. He reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to supporting Jammu and Kashmir’s regional products and giving them access to both domestic and international markets. On this occasion, the Lt. Governor released a publication on the UT’s agricultural sector as well as GI certificates for J&K’s products. The Lt Governor stopped by the booths showcasing the distinctive and specialised GI-tagged goods from all throughout the nation. At the Kashmir Haat Exhibition Ground, more than 100 stalls of GI items from Jammu and Kashmir and other regions of the nation are set up.Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce; Padma Shri Dr. Rajnikant, General Secretary Human Welfare Association; Aftab Malik, Chairman, DDC Srinagar; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Vice Chancellors of various Universities; HoDs, officers of UT administration; a sizable number of farmers
