UP now boasts the largest number of Geographical Indication-tagged items in the country.

Varanasi, April 17 (IANS) – Six more products from Uttar Pradesh have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, including the famous ‘Tirangi Barfi’ of Kashi, a tricoloured sweet symbolic of the Quit India Movement. The GI Registry awarded the certification on Tuesday, bringing the total number of GI-tagged products in Uttar Pradesh to 75, making it the state with the most GI products in India.

The newly certified products in Uttar Pradesh also include Banaras Metal Casting Craft, Lakhimpur Kheri Tharu Embroidery, Bareilly Cane and Bamboo Craft, Bareilly Zardozi Craft, and Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print Textile. According to GI expert Padma Shri Rajnikant, “Two renowned products from Varanasi, the Tirangi Barfi and Metal Casting Craft, were granted GI certification on Tuesday.” Rajnikant, the general secretary of the Human Welfare Association, has been instrumental in securing GI tags for 148 producers across 14 states and Union Territories.

Rajnikant highlighted the crucial role played by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow office in supporting these six GI tags. He emphasized that this achievement strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s position as the leading state in GI products. In 2008-09, the state had only one GI product, the ‘Allahabad Surkha Amrood.’ With 75 GI products now, Uttar Pradesh continues to lead in this area.

The GI tags not only recognize the unique identity and qualities of these products but also provide protection against imitation and unauthorized use. These certifications also help in promoting traditional craftsmanship and skills, thereby boosting the local economy and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. Tamil Nadu follows Uttar Pradesh with 58 GI products, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and heritage of various states in India.