State with the Most GI Tags in India: Geographical Indication (GI) tags work like a birth certificate for products. They show that something comes from a certain place and has special qualities because of where it is made. For instance, Darjeeling Tea is unique because of its growing region. GI tags matter because they protect traditional skills, help local farmers and artisans earn fair prices, and prevent the sale of fake versions of well-known products. Do you know which state in India has the most GI tags? In this article, we will explore the states with the highest numbers and highlight some of their most famous products.
Which State Got The Highest GI Tags In India?
Uttar Pradesh became the state with the most GI tags in India, registering over 79 products and surpassing Tamil Nadu. This success comes from the state's strong efforts to protect its local heritage through the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. Uttar Pradesh is known for its rich culture, from the spiritual Ghats of Varanasi to the craft centres in Aligarh and Moradabad. The GI tags include ancient textiles, handmade carpets, unique crops, and traditional sweets, helping local artisans gain global recognition and fair economic value for their work.
Top 10 Famous GI Tags of Uttar Pradesh
| Product Name | Category | Region/Origin | Key Feature |
| Banarasi Silk Saree | Handicraft | Varanasi | Hand-woven with gold and silver threads. |
| Lucknow Chikankari | Handicraft | Lucknow | World-famous intricate hand embroidery. |
| Bhadohi Carpet | Handicraft | Bhadohi | Known as the "Carpet City" for handmade rugs. |
| Kannauj Perfume | Manufactured | Kannauj | Natural essential oils and traditional "Attars." |
| Aligarh Tala | Handicraft | Aligarh | Durable, hand-forged traditional brass locks. |
| Moradabad Metal Craft | Handicraft | Moradabad | Exquisite brassware is exported globally. |
| Firozabad Glass | Handicraft | Firozabad | Famous for colourful glass bangles and beads. |
| Kalanamak Rice | Agriculture | Siddharthnagar | Highly aromatic "Buddha Rice" from East UP. |
| Agra Petha | Foodstuff | Agra | Iconic soft candy made from ash gourd. |
| Meerut Scissors | Manufactured | Meerut | High-precision tools made from recycled metal. |
List of Top 10 States of India With Most GI Tags [2026]
Source: Original by Jagran Josh [Generated by AI]
Here are the top 10 Indian states with the most Geographical Indication (GI) tags in 2026. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu remain at the top, often trading places as new products get registered.
| Rank | State | Approximate GI Tags | Popular GI Products |
| 1 | Uttar Pradesh | 79+ | Banarasi Silk, Lucknow Chikankari, Agra Petha |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu | 69+ | Kanchipuram Silk, Madurai Malli, Salem Fabric |
| 3 | Karnataka | 50+ | Mysore Silk, Coorg Arabica Coffee, Channapatna Toys |
| 4 | Maharashtra | 50+ | Alphonso Mango, Nagpur Orange, Kolhapuri Chappal |
| 5 | Odisha | 35+ | Odisha Rasagola, Konark Stone Carving, Kandhamal Haldi |
| 6 | West Bengal | 27+ | Darjeeling Tea, Baluchari Saree, Joynagar Moa |
| 7 | Rajasthan | 25+ | Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Kota Doria, Bikaneri Bhujia |
| 8 | Andhra Pradesh | 24+ | Tirupati Laddu, Kondapalli Toys, Dharmavaram Sarees |
| 9 | Gujarat | 22+ | Gir Kesar Mango, Patan Patola, Jamnagari Bandhani |
| 10 | Kerala | 22+ | Aranmula Kannadi, Wayanad Jeerakasala Rice |
Highlights:
- The rapid increase in Uttar Pradesh's GI tags is largely thanks to Dr Rajni Kant, a Padma Shri awardee known for his work in documenting and registering traditional crafts. He is often called the "GI Man of India."
- States such as Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have many GI tags for handicrafts. In contrast, Maharashtra and Kerala focus more on agricultural products.
- These GI tags have helped local artisans and farmers reach international markets, boosting the rural economy.
Which Country Has The Highest Number Of GI Tags?
China has the most Geographical Indication (GI) registrations in the world, with more than 9,700 in effect as of 2023. After China, countries in the European Union, especially Germany, France, and Italy, also have high numbers, often exceeding 5,000 to 7,000 each.
Which State Has The First GI Tag In India?
Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive a GI tag, representing West Bengal. It earned this recognition in 2004-05. Known worldwide, Darjeeling Tea stands out for its unique "muscatel" flavour and floral aroma, thanks to the climate and soil of the Himalayan foothills.
Who Is The Father Of GI Tag In India?
In India, Dr Rajni Kant is widely known as the "GI Man of India," or the father of the GI revolution. A Padma Shri awardee, he has been instrumental in securing GI tags for over 25 products, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. His work through the Human Welfare Association has helped thousands of traditional artisans and weavers gain legal rights over their crafts.
Where Is The Headquarter Of GI Tag In India?
The Geographical Indications Registry of India is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This office is responsible for the administration, examination, and registration of all GI applications nationwide. Every official GI certificate in India is issued from this central location, ensuring a standardised process for protecting India's "Invaluable Treasures."
