Srinagar, June 24: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are jointly pursuing 32 new Geographical Indication (GI) registrations to protect and promote their traditional products, crafts, foods and indigenous heritage, officials said.

According to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), 26 products from Jammu and Kashmir and six from Ladakh are currently at various stages of the GI registration process. If approved, the additions will significantly expand the Union Territories’ footprint in India’s GI registry, which already includes products like Kashmir Saffron, Pashmina, Kani Shawls, Paper Mache and Seabuckthorn.
Officials said the move is aimed at preserving authenticity, safeguarding traditional knowledge systems and boosting market access for farmers, artisans and rural producers. A GI tag certifies that a product originates from a specific region and derives its unique qualities from that geography and local practices.
Among the most notable applications is Blue Sapphire Paddar from Kishtwar, known for its deep blue gemstones, and Kashmir Houseboat, the century-old wooden houseboat tradition of Dal Lake that remains central to Kashmir’s tourism identity.
The list also includes a wide range of handicrafts such as Aari embroidery, Kandkari copperware, Samba Calico Print, Jammu Phulkari, Kishtwar Binna craft and Gaba blankets, alongside forest and agricultural products like Chilgoza pine nuts, walnuts, Kashmiri Kala Zeera, Ambri and Maharaji apples, red rice, shallots, long chilli, water chestnut and Kagzi almonds.
For the first time, traditional foods such as Tabak Maaz, Goshtaba, smoked fish (Phar) and dried fish (Hoggard) are also being considered for GI protection, reflecting a broader recognition of culinary heritage.
In Ladakh, six applications focus mainly on horticulture, including Ladakh dried apricot, Halman apricot, apricot oil and indigenous apple varieties such as Karkechu and Thra. Ladakh already holds GI tags for products like Pashmina wool, Thangka paintings and Raktsey Karpo apricots.
Stakeholders say GI recognition could help distinguish genuine handmade goods from machine-made imitations and improve incomes for rural artisans. “A GI tag can help create awareness and better markets for genuine handmade products,” said Baramulla copper artisan Asmat Jaan.
Experts add that stronger GI branding could turn local specialties into nationally and globally recognized products while supporting rural livelihoods across both regions.