In an effort to preserve the uniqueness of several products from the state, the Andhra Pradesh Technology Development and Promotion Centre (APTDC) has filed applications for GI certification for its unique products.

The centre has been set up by the state government along with industries bodies Confederation of Indian Industry and the Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council.

In fact, the state already has GI certifications for Pochampally Ikat, Kondapalli toys, Karimnagar filigree and Srikalahasti handicrafts.

The new list includes leather paintings from Nimmalakunta (Anantapur),  gollabhamas from Siddipet (Medak), Nirmal toys (Adilabad), sarees from Uppada, Gadwal, Dharmavaram, Venkatagiri and Mangalagiri and three other products.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board too has initiated efforts seeking a GI tag for the laddu, known for its taste and quality. According to the Indian GI Act, it is not just the products but also the process involved in manufacturing them, that can be registered for the GIs.

K Subodh Kumar, head CII (IPR) and APTDC says though these products have distinctive characters, the native artisans are losing livelihood as their designs were being copied and products sold at a cheaper price.

"The art in these areas is invaluable. There is a good market for these products but the artisans are not able to get the best price," Kumar says. The GI certification would aid in promotion and prevent unauthorised use of the brand name (area name).

According to V Natarajan, assistant registrar of GI (Chennai), 106 applications have been filed for GI certification and 67 have been given the GI status. "It is a sad thing that food products that patently belong to India are claimed by other countries," he says citing the instance where India had to prove that it used turmeric from ages. "Somebody should also file a GI for Hyderabadi biryani and pearls," he opines.

In the case of Pochampally, though the GI has increased its brand visibility, artisans are not in a position to realise the gains. According to T Yadagiri, representing Sangamitra, an NGO working in Pochampally, stock worth Rs 10 crore made for local markets is lying untouched.

"The weavers should be provided a platform to penetrate niche markets," he feels as most of the weavers have work for just two months.