It is understood that the government aims to register more products from Goa as Geographical Indications (GI). It may be recalled that Goa’s traditional festive sweet dish ‘Khaje’, spicy Harmal chilli and the Moira banana have obtained the GI tag. Prior to this Feni and Khola chillies were given the Geographical Indication tag. The GI tag provides legal protection thus preventing unauthorized use of the registered GIs by others. It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory. Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 products followed by Tamil Nadu which has 39 products with GI tag. A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of GI tags builds a global reputation for the products. People around the world notice various GI products from different regions and get motivated to visit those regions and use such products. Therefore, it helps in the growth of the tourism industry of that particular region as well. The Goa government needs to register more products of the state as Geographical Indications. Furthermore, the marketing and promotion of the products with the GI tags enhance the economic activities in that specific region, which in turn boosts the regional economic development.
