Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the state with the most Geographical Indication (GI) tags in India, with 77 registered products, surpassing Tamil Nadu which has 58 GI tags. This rise is a significant leap from 2007–08, when the state had only one GI product — the Allahabad Surkha Guava. This achievement highlights Uttar Pradesh’s strong cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and agricultural excellence.
Recent Inclusions in Uttar Pradesh’s GI Registry
| Product Name | Description |
| Banarasi Shehnai | Traditional wind instrument rooted in Banaras Gharana, made famous by Ustad Bismillah Khan. |
| Banaras Tirangi Barfi | A tricoloured sweet linked with the Quit India Movement |
| Banaras Metal Casting Craft | Intricate traditional metalwork from Varanasi. |
| Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery | Traditional embroidery by Tharu community. |
| Bareilly Cane and Bamboo Craft | Handicraft from Bareilly district; Craftsmanship using natural materials |
| Bareilly Zardozi Craft | Famous intricate and royal embroidery from Bareilly. |
| Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print Textile | Traditional hand-block printing from Pilkhuwa. |
| Chitrakoot’s Woodwork | Unique wooden crafts from Chitrakoot. |
| Jaunpur’s Imarti | Famous sweet from Jaunpur; Sweet dish with local uniqueness |
| Mathura’s Sanjhi Art | Traditional paper stencil art from Mathura; linked with Lord Krishna |
| Bundelkhand’s Kathiya Wheat | Indigenous wheat variety. |
| Pilibhit’s Flute | Handcrafted flutes from Pilibhit. |
| Prayagraj’s Moonj Craft | Products made from Moonj grass. |
| Banarasi Tabla | Iconic percussion instrument from Banaras |
| Banarasi Bharwan Mirch | Famous spicy stuffed chillies from Banaras |
Key Initiatives
- Target: Ministry of Commerce & Industry aims for 10,000 GI tags by 2030.
- Committee Formation: A committee has been announced to oversee the Whole of Government approach to achieve this target from the current 605 GI tags.
About Geographical Indications (GI)
| Aspect | Details |
| Definition | Sign used on products with specific geographical origin and reputation/quality linked to that origin. |
| Coverage | Agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods. |
| Authority | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. |
| Registration | Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI) |
| Validity | 10 years (renewable) |
| Relevance | Provides legal protection, boosts exports, assures quality and authenticity. |
Global and National Regulation:
| Global Recognition | National Regulation |
| Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property | GI Act, 1999 (India) |
| TRIPS Agreement (WTO) | Overseen by DPIIT (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) |
Key Facts
- Leading City: Varanasi alone has 32 GI-tagged products, the highest from any single geographical area.
- First GI tag in India: Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal)
- GI Man of India: Padma Shri Rajni Kant
- Administering Body: DPIIT under Ministry of Commerce & Industry