The present study “Socio - Economic Benefits of Geographical Indications (GI) – The Indian Scenario” is informative and useful in understanding how a particular product comes to be identified with a location. GI rights not only prohibit others from making and selling same products with similar claims but also create brand equity and customer loyalty. They help in protecting and preserving the art, culture and heritage of local producers.
This report looks at the socio-economic status of five GI products -- Hyderabad Haleem in food category from Telangana; Makrana Marble in the natural products category from Nagaur district of Rajasthan; Navara Rice in agriculture category from Kerala; Pochampally Ikat in manufactured products category from Nalgonda district of Telangana and Toda Embroidery in handicraft category from Toda tribe in Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. These five case studies, out of 301 GI products of India so far, are just a beginning.