Arunachal Pradesh has taken a major step toward protecting its indigenous agricultural heritage by filing Geographical Indication (GI) applications for 10 traditional agro-products, marking one of the largest single-time submissions from the State.

• According to the State Horticulture Research and Development Institute (SHRDI), the products proposed for GI registration include: 
  • Bagra pineapple, Pasighat jaggery, Baali rice, Idu Yamba (finger millet), Angpu pumpkin, Mipun rice, Libi Balangbu (white rajma), Bebo large cardamom, cinnamon, and Andoye kidney bean. 
• This historic initiative is being facilitated by GI expert Padma Shri Dr Rajnikant.
• SHRDI Director Egam Basar highlighted that this is the first time such a large batch of products has been filed together. 
• He further added that 10 more products are prepared for filing within a week—advancing the State’s mission to expand its GI portfolio.
• Arunachal Pradesh has already secured 20 GI tags, including well-known items such as Wakro Orange, Khamti Rice (Khaw Tai), Adi Kekir ginger, Singpho Phalap tea, Yak Churpi, and Angnyat millet. 
• During the GI Mahotsav 2025, the State set an ambitious target of 50 GI registrations by 2029. With 20 existing, 34 filed, and 10 pending submissions, the State is poised to surpass this target.

Significance of GI Tag

The government believes that GI recognition will:

• Protect indigenous crop varieties
• Boost farmer incomes through premium pricing
• Promote branding, marketing, and export potential
• Strengthen traditional knowledge systems and rural livelihoods

By securing GI tags, the State aims to empower its cultivators—who are the custodians of these heritage products—and enhance the global visibility of Arunachal’s unique agro-biodiversity.

Exam Hook – Prelims Practice Question

GI tags in India are granted under which law?
→ The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

MCQ 

Q. Consider the following statements:

Statement–I: Arunachal Pradesh aims to secure at least 50 GI registrations by 2029.
Statement–II: As of now, the State already has 20 GI-registered products across agriculture, textiles, and handicrafts.

Which one of the following is correct?

(a) Both are correct and Statement–II explains Statement–I
(b) Both are correct but Statement–II does not explain Statement–I
(c) Statement–I is correct but Statement–II is incorrect
(d) Statement–I is incorrect but Statement–II is correct

Correct Answer: (b)