SRINAGAR: Department of Agriculture Kashmir has been granted Certificate of Registration by Registrar of Geographical Indication, Chennai, Government of India in respect of Kashmir Saffron. The Registered Proprietor of the G.I Kashmir Saffron is Director Agriculture Kashmir, facilitated by SKUAST(K) and Saffron Research Station Dusso Pampore J&K.
While speaking regarding the achievement Director Agriculture Kashmir Altaf Aijaz Andrabi said that GI is a sign on products that have a specific geographical origin and the product may have special quality or reputation. He said the Geographic indication leads to the overall economic prosperity of the producers. Andrabi further said that the prime purpose of registering a geographic indication is to seek protection for specific products produced in a particular geographic region.
Speaking about the marketing of any product having GI Tag Director said it can encourage and motivate the marketers to expand their business at a global level further more the protection of Geographical Indications boosts exports and helps the farmers to get best remuneration for their economic sustainability
Pertinent to mention J&K Govt. contemplated to file an application for GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION OF KASHMIR SAFFRON because of its unique identity and superior quality as compared to saffron grown around the world. Accordingly, Director Agriculture, Kashmir filed an application before the Registrar, Geographical Registration Industry Chennai on 03.12.2018 under Class 30 under the Fourth Schedule as per Geographical Indications Rules 2002.
The requisite documents viz Statement of Case, Logo, Documentary Evidence, Specification and Description of G.I product, List of producers of Kashmir Saffron, Traditional Practices adopted and Method of production were submitted to the Registrar, Geographical Registration. On completion of the formalities, a Consultative Group was constituted by the Dy. Registrar Geographical Indications, GoI, for ascertaining the correctness of the particulars furnished by this Directorate in G.I application.
Accordingly, Director Agriculture, Kashmir alongwith the concerned officers and farmers attended the said meeting on 23.09.2019 at New Delhi . Director Agriculture Kashmir, who was the lead speaker, gave a power point presentation regarding the various aspects of the Kashmir Saffron to ascertain the correctness of particulars furnished in the Statement of Case in respect of G.I of Saffron.
Director said that despite of fact that the process started way before but it was due to the gracious leadership of present Principal Secretary Mr. Navin K. Choudary that the department could see the dream come true. He showed his keen interest in strengthening saffron in terms of its business and quality which defined his professional attitude for settlement of farmers concern.
Department of Agriculture acknowledges the legal services rendered by Advocate Muzzaffar Ali Shah who , who played an important role in drafting the application and assisting the department in complying with the legal formalities through out the process.

KR Desk