Eight Traditional Products of Himachal Pradesh Secure GI Tags

Why in News?

Eight traditional products of Himachal Pradesh were granted Geographical Indication (GI) status on July 1, 2026, taking the state's total GI-registered products to 17.

Key Points

• The newly registered products are: Seabuckthorn (Chharma) from Spiti; Salooni Safed Makka (white maize) and Chamba Metal Art from Chamba; Sirmauri Loiya (woollen gown) from Sirmaur; Kinnauri Topi, Kinnauri Apple, and Kinnauri Jewellery from Kinnaur; and Sepuvadi (lentil dish) from Mandi.
• The registration was facilitated by the Himachal Pradesh State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE).
• GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.

Exam Connect

• GI → Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 → GI Registry under Ministry of Commerce and Industry → Darjeeling Tea first Indian GI (2004–05)
• HIMCOSTE → nodal agency for GI registration in Himachal Pradesh → works under the Department of Environment, Science & Technology, Government of Himachal Pradesh