The 3 day GI Mahotsav, organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in support of the Office of the Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, aims to celebrate and promote India’s rich heritage of Geographical Indications (GI) products, acknowledging their unique cultural, social, and economic significance. With a focus on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, the GI Mahotsav promises to be a platform for collaboration and growth beyond boundaries.
Mr Vijay Kumar Biduri (IAS), Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir said that the government is always ready and willing to handhold and take effective steps to work towards the upliftment of the local manufacturers and the MSMEs of Kashmir. He also urged the industry stakeholders and small business owners to come up to the government through various industry bodies like PHDCCI for any handholding required at any stage of their business.
Trademarks can add value to a business and contribute to its reputation. Customers often associate trademarks with quality and reliability. For smaller businesses in Kashmir aiming to build a loyal customer base, having a strong trademark can enhance their credibility and trustworthiness, added Mr Biduri
GI-tagged products serve as ambassadors of their respective regions, attracting tourists interested in exploring the unique cultural and natural heritage of Kashmir. Tourists often seek authentic local experiences, including purchasing GI-tagged products as souvenirs, thereby contributing to the local economy and fostering sustainable tourism development. It is necessary to spread the awareness about these GI products amongst the tourists visiting the state of Kashmir, added Mr Biduri
Mr Mehmood Ahmad Shah (JKAS), Director Handicrafts & handloom, Kashmir appreciate PHDCCI for organising the GI Mahotsav in Kashmir and spreading the needed awareness about GI products. He also mentioned the trust deficit between the buyer and seller happened due to the compromise on quality and the GI initiative is the one to bridge this trust gap between the buyer and the seller through best in quality products.
The handicraft sector is still a very untapped sector and GI tagging of our handicrafts will surely help in building it as a brand, ,along with generating employment in the state of Kashmir, added Mr Ahmad Shah
Er Saheel Yaqoob Allaqaband, IEDS, Asstt Director, MSME DFO Srinagar, highlight in reard to various schemes that the Ministry of MSME is implementing to provide marketing support through participation in exhibitions in the domestic and global markets under the International Co-operation scheme. on the importance of IPR and trademark of products and added the trademarks and IPR are indispensable for smaller businesses in Kashmir, providing them with the means to protect their brand, innovate with confidence, and compete effectively in the marketplace. Investing in trademark registration and IPR protection is an essential step for any business looking to establish itself and thrive in the region.
Er Allaqaband urged each manufacturer to take advantage of the IPFC cell in getting the handholding to trademarking their products and mentioned that trademarks prevent others from using similar marks or names that could confuse consumers. This is particularly important for smaller businesses in Kashmir, where the market might be competitive and imitation could dilute the uniqueness of their offerings.
Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director, Agriculture, Kashmir, appreciated PHDCCI for organising the GI Mohatsav at the appropriate time in the state of Kashmir and mentioned that with the blessing so God Kashmir has the best resources, in terms of climate, quality of soil and availability and quality of water, among others and the manufacturers should take advantage of this blessing, manufacture quality products and get them trademarked and GI tagged.
He also mentioned that 19 agriculture products are in the pipeline for receiving the GI tagging in the state of J&K and only yesterday anardana was given the GI tag.
Mr Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, Director, Sericulture, Kahsmir, mentioned that many Kashmiri products are deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural heritage and traditions, like the Kashmir Silk. GI tagging helps in preserving and promoting these cultural identities by highlighting the specific geographical origin and traditional production methods associated with the products. It also encourages the transmission of artisanal skills and knowledge from one generation to another.
GI tagging assures consumers of the authenticity and quality of the products they are purchasing. By adhering to specific production standards and regulations set forth by the GI certification process, producers of Kashmiri goods maintain consistent quality, ensuring consumer satisfaction and trust in the products.
Mr Vicky Shaw, Chair, Kashmir State Chapter,PHDCCI, appreciated the Ministry of MSME, Govt of India for giving the state of Kashmir this opportunity to host the 3 day GI products exhibition & conference, bringing together the artisans and manufacturers of GI products from across the country.
In a globalized world, protecting and promoting our GI products isn’t just a matter of cultural pride; it’s a strategic economic imperative. These products carry with them centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and distinctiveness that set them apart in the international market, added Mr Shaw
Mr D P Goel, Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of MSME for their unwavering support and emphasized the chamber’s commitment to nurturing and promoting the GI ecosystem in India. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in harnessing the full potential of GI products to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.
This 3-day GI products Exhibition and Conference isn’t just about showcasing our cultural heritage; it’s about creating tangible opportunities for our artisans and MSMEs. It’s a platform where tradition meets innovation, where we celebrate our past while paving the way for a sustainable future, added Mr Goel
Mr Himayu Wani, Co-Chair, Kashmir State Chapter, PHDCCI mentioned that this event serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, showcasing how our timeless GI products can adapt to contemporary markets while retaining their authenticity and charm. It’s a testament to the enduring relevance of our cultural heritage in today’s fast-paced world.
