Bihar is making renewed efforts to secure GI tags for its unique agricultural products, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) vice-chancellor PS Pandey told STOI’s BK Mishra in an interview, adding that rigorous scientific documentation and strong producer organizations are necessary to expedite the process. Part:

What are the main reasons for Bihar not getting GI tag on its unique products and artefacts?The primary obstacle has been the lack of rigorous scientific and historical documentation. The GI tag requires extensive proof that a product’s distinctive characteristics are closely linked to its specific geography, climate and traditional practices. In Bihar, most of our traditional knowledge remained oral and unwritten.Additionally, GI tags are given to producer groups or associations, not individuals. The absence of organized cooperative structures among farmers and artisans made it difficult to file legal claims. There was also a significant awareness gap; Many stakeholders were unaware that their local products, such as unique varieties of rice or hand-woven textiles, held considerable intellectual property value that required legal protection to thrive in competitive global markets.What is RPCAU What are you doing to increase the number of GI tagged products?RPCAU is acting as the “technical and legal anchor” for the heritage products of Bihar. We recently celebrated a big milestone when Marcha rice (Maricha paddy) from West Champaran received GI tag exclusively under our technical guidance and facility.Beyond research, we have entered into strategic partnerships including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Great Mission Consultancy Group, Pune to provide a formal framework for identification and registration of potential products. We are currently working on the scientific characterization of several indigenous varieties and documenting their DNA profiling and biochemical properties to meet the stringent requirements of the GI Registry.By creating Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), we are providing local communities with the legal personality needed to hold and manage these coveted tags.What is the importance of GI tag? Does it benefit the people of a particular area?GI tag is essentially a certificate of origin that provides legal protection against unauthorized use. Its importance is threefold: economic, legal and cultural. This can be transformative for the people of Bihar. This eliminates brand hijacking, where substandard products from other regions are sold under Bihar’s famous names.Economically, this allows farmers to receive premium prices – often 20% to 50% higher than non-tagged varieties – because global consumers are willing to pay for authenticity. For example, recognition of Mithila Makhana or Shahi Litchi has opened up direct export channels, reducing farmers’ dependence on exploitative middlemen. This creates a “Brand Bihar” identity, fosters a sense of pride and ensures that the economic benefits of the region’s heritage remain within the community.How should farmers and other stakeholders be made aware of the benefits of obtaining GI tag for their products?Awareness should extend from the seminar hall to the farm gate. We are using our Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to conduct workshops at the grassroots level in local dialects, explaining the GI tag as “Aapki Mitti Ki Pehchan” (Identify Your Soil).Stakeholders should see concrete success stories, such as West Champaran farmers getting better markets for Marcha rice. We are also advocating for digital traceability; When a farmer realizes that a QR code on his produce can inform buyers about its origin, the value of the GI tag becomes self-evident.any other suggestions?We need to invest in dedicated GI-branded processing units and cold chains to maintain the quality of GI-tagged products. Integration of agri-tourism with GI products can be a game changer. A “Litchi Trail” in Muzaffarpur or a ‘Makhana Circuit’ in Mithila can be developed, where tourists will visit the place of origin, see traditional harvesting and buy the authentic product.We must also establish strict quality control centers to ensure that any product bearing the GI logo meets the highest standards.