Nexus between Geographical Indications and Sustainable Development Goals: An Explorative Case Study of Rice in India

Abstract

In the current study, trend of registration of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Rice, an important staple crop in India is traced, their multi-dimensional potential in contribution towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations member countries is explored. An attempt is also made to identify challenges in harnessing Rice GIs potential and possible solutions. The study is based on secondary data i.e based on data obtained from GI registry website. Further information extracted from details given in individual rice GI application, based on which GI status was given, is also used in tracing nexus between rice GI and SDGs. As on 03-10-2025, 31 rice GIs are registered in India and are spread across twenty States/Union Territories. Further 23 pending rice GI applications are spread across 13 states/UTs of India. Registered rice GIs are having diverse special characteristics and have potential in contributing towards different SDGs. However, checking food fraud through effective governance, value chain management for fair distribution of returns and adaptation to emerging climate change are the key issues to be handled. Accordingly based on the development stage of each rice GI, appropriate support from government is needed. Further applying FAO-OriGIn framework of Sustainable Strategy for Geographical Indication (SSGI), each rice GI has to be evaluated and road map for harness its potential in contribution towards SDGs need to be build. For this, awareness creation and capacity building of different stakeholders is the key.