Parliament Question: GI Tag for Rajamudi Rice

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2755. TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 04TH AUGUST, 2026. GI TAG FOR RAJAMUDI RICE 2755. SHRI SHREYAS M PATEL: Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state: वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री (a) whether the Government has received any application or proposal for registration of Rajamudi rice of Hassan district, Karnataka, as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999; (b) if so, the details of the application, including the applicant, date of filing, present status and the reasons for any delay in registration; (c) whether the Government has undertaken any study to assess the uniqueness, historical significance, traditional cultivation practices, and commercial potential of Rajamudi rice for Gl registration; (d) whether the Government proposes to extend technical or financial assistance to farmers, producer organizations, research institutions, or the Government of Karnataka for obtaining the Gl tag and promoting Rajamudi rice in domestic and international markets; and (e) the measures taken by the Government to protect, promote, brand, and enhance the market value and export potential of Rajamudi rice cultivated in Hassan district? ANSWER वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA) (a) & (b): Geographical Indications Registry has not received any application for registration of Geographical Indications “Rajamudi Rice” grown in Hassan District of Karnataka. (c): Visvesyaraya Trade Promotion Centre, (VTPC), under the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka being the Nodal agency for Geographical Indications for the State of Karnataka, commissioned a feasibility study through Ramaiah Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (RCIPR), Bengaluru, to assess the potential for filing a Geographical Indication application for Rajamudi Rice. The study examined aspects relevant to Gl registration, including the product's distinctiveness and traditional significance.Further, the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Karnataka has taken up Rajamudi Rice under the Desi Thali Scheme, and the product is currently undergoing field trials under the supervision of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, to generate the requisite scientific and technical data. (d) & (e): Government has undertaken various measures for promoting manufacture, marketing, sale and trade of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products across the country, including products from Karnataka. These initiatives and schemes are implemented uniformly nationwide, ensuring that GI producers in Karnataka enjoy equal benefits alongside producers from other States and Union Territories. Details of such measures taken by the government are placed under Annexure-I. *********ANNEXURE-I ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (d) & (e) OF THE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2755 FOR ANSWER ON 04.08.2026. i. Facilitation of GI Registration: The GI Registry provides continuous handholding support to applicant associations and authorised bodies throughout the GI registration process, including assistance in addressing deficiencies in applications and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 and the Rules framed thereunder. Further, vide notification dated 03.11.2025, the fee payable for filing GI applications and related proceedings has been reduced by 80 per cent, making GI protection more affordable for artisans, farmers, producer organisations and traditional communities. ii. Support under the MSME Innovative Scheme: Under the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) component of the MSME Innovative Scheme, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises provides consultancy services, Intellectual Property facilitation and awareness programmes relating to Intellectual Property Rights, including Geographical Indications. The Scheme provides reimbursement of 100 per cent of the actual expenditure incurred for registration of a GI, subject to a maximum ceiling of ₹2 lakh per registered GI, including expenses towards professional fees, Government fees, preparation of applications, prosecution, hearings, GI logo design, laboratory testing and other incidental expenses. The applicants are also provided end-to-end support through Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs). Further, the Ministry has organised 25 GI Mahotsavs across different States to provide market access to authorised GI users, sanctioned 164 programmes under the One District One GI (OD-OGI) initiative, and facilitated participation of GI producers in international exhibitions to enhance exports and global visibility of GI products. iii. Market Access and Promotion by DPIIT: DPIIT has undertaken several initiatives for enhancing the visibility and marketability of GI products, including organisation of India GI Fair, GI Mahotsav, GI Pavilions at national and international exhibitions, participation in AAHAR, India International Trade Fair, World Food India, Tribal Business Conclave and international trade fairs such as Autumn Fair (United Kingdom) and Bazaar Berlin (Germany). Promotional activities have also been undertaken through documentaries, television campaigns, National Geographic, History TV18, MasterChef India, social media campaigns, airport and Delhi Metro branding, GI Samagam, GI Catalyst Summit and promotion of GI products during the India AI Impact Summit 2026. These initiatives are intended to improve awareness, branding, market access and export potential of GI-tagged products. The various promotional initiatives and schemes are implemented uniformly across the country, and GI producers from Karnataka are eligible to avail themselves of the benefits provided under these schemes and promotional programmes on an equal basis with producers from other States and Union Territories. The details are as follows:-Year Initiative Details India GI Fair Three-day event organised at India Expo (26th–28th Aug, 2022) Centre & Mart, Greater Noida for promotion and marketing of GI products. GI Mahotsav Week-long event organised at Trade (16th–21st Oct, 2022) Facilitation Centre, Varanasi, including knowledge sessions for GI stakeholders. Exclusive GI Pavilion (IITF Dedicated GI Pavilion established at India 2022-23 2022) International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan. Promotional Videos Promotional films on Indian GI products prepared and telecast through History TV18 network. Social Media Campaign "Gift a GI", "Spot the GI" and other awareness campaigns undertaken to promote GI products. GI Pavilion at AAHAR 2023 Dedicated GI Pavilion showcasing 55 GI products at AAHAR 2023 with participation of artisans and entrepreneurs. Engagement with States & Capacity building, awareness generation UTs and handholding support for GI producers by States and UTs. EPCH GI Fair 2023 GI India Radio Mirchi Campaign Fifteen-day nationwide promotion of GI products through FM radio. UP International Trade Promotion and display of GI products at the Show UP International Trade Show. GI Mahotsav, Srinagar Week-long promotional event organised in 2023-24 Srinagar. GI Startup Grand Startup India initiative to ecosystem. Challenge India Today Campaign Publication of GI-related articles for wider outreach and awareness. National Geographic Production and telecast of documentary Campaign films on GI-tagged products in India and SAARC countries. International Hackathon International Conference and Hackathon on Geographical Indications and Traditional Knowledge organised by WBNUJS. GI Catalyst Summit National summit on strengthening India's GI ecosystem through convergence and collaboration. Promotion through Airlines Articles on GI products published in in-flight magazines of major airlines. Outlook "Weds in India" Documentary-based promotion of GI products Campaign through digital and print platforms. 2024-25 Autumn Fair International, Indian GI Pavilion with participation and live Birmingham demonstrations by GI producers. Bazaar Berlin 2024 Exhibition and promotion of Indian GI products in Germany. National Geographic Documentary showcasing success stories of (Season-II) GI products and entrepreneurs. Master Chef India Season-9 Integration of GI products into the television programme for wider public outreach.Delhi Metro Campaign Promotion of GI products through display boards inside Metro coaches. Airport Promotion Promotion of GI products through digital displays and advertisements at major airports. GI Stores at Delhi Airport Dedicated retail outlets for GI products established in association with Central Cottage Industries Corporation Ltd. GI Samagam National platform bringing together policymakers, producers, artisans and other stakeholders of the GI ecosystem. Delhi Metro Campaign Promotion through train wrapping, digital display boards and interior advertisements. Airport Promotion Promotion through digital screens, display boards and conveyor belts at major airports. 2025-26 Promotion in Events Promotion of GI products at World Food India 2025 and Tribal Business Conclave 2025. Social Media Campaign Promotion of GI products through short and long- format videos disseminated across social media platforms, in collaboration with social media influencers, to enhance the visibility and outreach of GI products at all levels. India AI Impact Summit 2026 Promotion of "Bharat GI Coffees" through experiential marketing, tasting sessions and digital outreach. *********