What is a GI tag and how can it help my district get a better price for its produce?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a legal recognition that a product comes from a specific region and has a quality or reputation linked to that place, like Basmati rice or Nagpur orange. It protects the name from misuse and lets registered producers from that area market under the GI, which can command a premium and build buyer trust. A GI is applied for by an association, producer body, cooperative or government agency, not usually a single farmer, and the application goes to the GI Registry under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. After registration, genuine producers register as authorised users. To pursue it, organise local growers into a body, document the product's history and uniqueness, and seek help from your state horticulture or agriculture department, an FPO federation or a research institute. Check current procedure on the official GI Registry.