Geographical Indications

Darjeeling Tea – A Case

By
Arvind Yadav
 GI- Definition
• It is an indication.
• It originates from a definite geographical territory.
• It is used to identify agricultural, natural or manufactured goods.
• The manufactured goods should be produced or processed or
prepared in that territory.
• It should have a special quality or reputation or other
characteristics.
• Geographical indications of goods (registration and protection)
Act passed in 1999 and came into force 2003.
• The registration of a Geographical Indication is valid for a period
of 10 years.
 Benefits - GIs
• It provides legal protection.
• Prevents unauthorized use of a Registered Geographical
Indication by others.
• It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods
produced in a geographical territory.
• Boosts the export.
• Can serve as source-identifiers for consumers.
• Helps the producers develop consumer loyalty.
• Plays a role in consumer decisions, including willingness
to pay a higher price for regionally branded food
products.
 IMPACT OF GIs ON DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
• Encourages rural development.
• Facilitates market access.
• Saves local natural resources .
• Plays an important role in the preservation of cultural
identity.
 STEPS INVOLVED IN CREATING
REGISTERS FOR GIs
• Compile a list of the special products grown or
manufactured in a region, which have geographical
peculiarities.
• Obtain detailed information of the relation of
geography to the product - for e.g. the soil quality,
weather, water, etc.
• Identify the specific human resources required in
the manufacturing process.
• Perform a qualitative & quantitative classification
of the product.
 STEPS INVOLVED IN CREATING
REGISTERS FOR GIs
• Establish the commercial viability of the product.
• Compile a history of the profession whether it is
hereditary & belongs to a particular community.
• Record whether the product is used for domestic
purpose e.g. for medicinal, cosmetic or as diet
ingredient.
• Most importantly, clearly identify its traditional,
religious or cultural uses.
 Darjeeling Tea
• World famous. Vary from large wiry tippy
leaves to small tippy leaves.
• Black , green ,oolong and handpicked specialty
teas.
• Teas have attractive bloom and have a round,
mellow flavour. Famous for the muscatel
flavour.
 Darjeeling Tea – A Case
– The history of Darjeeling tea - tea gardens were planted in
1835
– Statutorily controlled by Government as part of the Tea
industry from 1933 under various enactments culminating in
the Tea Act, 1953
– The Tea Board, India has authority to administer all stages of
tea cultivation, processing & sale through various orders. Its
mandate includes implementing schemes for quality control,
increase in productivity, R&D, licensing, promotion, statistics.
– Cultivated only in 87 designated gardens in the Darjeeling
district.
 Darjeeling Tea – A Case
– The Darjeeling tea industry employs over 52000 people
on permanent basis
– Additional 15000 persons engaged during plucking
season – March to November
– 60% of the work force is women employed on family
basis
– Income of a garden worker half in the form of cash and
the other half by way of perquisites with access to free
accommodation, subsidies cereal ration and free medical
benefits
– Mandated by the Plantation Labour Act, Govt of India
 Darjeeling Tea – A Case
Protection of Darjeeling tea has impacted :
– Better domestic prices
– Increased awareness of Protection Process
amongst trade and industry – better adherence to
Regulations
– Better economic health of the industry – sick
gardens being revived
– A better quality of life for the plantation worker
 GI
The Tea Board has placed emphasis on 3 aspects
in the protection of Darjeeling
• legal angle
• administrative protection whereby the supply
chain integrity of the said GI products is
maintained. Being addressed through the
upgraded software tracking system and proposed
appointment of a ground level inspection agency.
• promotion and strengthening brand equity.
Thank You