UP's 77 GI Tags 2025: District-Wise List, First GI Tag & UPSSSC MCQs

Introduction

Uttar Pradesh leads all Indian states in Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products with 77 GI tags as of 2025 — the highest of any state in India, surpassing Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. From Banarasi sarees to Agra Petha, from Kannauj Attar to Kalanamak Rice, these GI tags protect UP’s unique crafts, textiles, and food products from imitation while enabling artisans to command premium prices.

UP’s first GI tag was awarded to Allahabad Surkha Guava in 2008–09 — making Prayagraj (then Allahabad) the district that started UP’s GI journey. Since then, UP has added tags at a rapid pace, with Varanasi (Kashi) alone accounting for 32 GI-tagged products — making it one of the highest GI-concentrated cities in the world.

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What is a GI Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an intellectual property right that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical location, where a particular quality, reputation, or characteristic is essentially attributable to that origin.

Key Facts About GI

Why GI Matters

• Legal protection — prevents unauthorised use of the product name by others
• Premium pricing — GI-tagged products typically command 20-30% higher prices
• Export advantage — internationally recognised intellectual property right
• Artisan empowerment — ensures benefits flow to original producers
• Quality assurance — consumers can trust product authenticity

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UP’s GI-Tagged Products — Master Table

Uttar Pradesh now holds approximately 77 GI tags (as of April 2025) — the highest of any Indian state. Here is the comprehensive district-wise listing:

Textiles & Handicrafts

Perfumes & Cosmetics

Food Products & Sweets

Musical Instruments & Crafts

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District-Product Quick Map (Exam Focus)

For quick revision, here is the most-tested district-to-product mapping:

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GI Tags of Varanasi (Kashi) — 32 Products

Varanasi (Kashi) holds 32 GI-tagged products — the highest concentration of any single city in India, generating annual business of approximately ₹25,500 crore and employing nearly 20 lakh people.

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GI Tags of Prayagraj (Allahabad)

Prayagraj holds a special distinction: Allahabad Surkha Guava (2008–09) was UP’s very first GI-tagged product.

The Surkha (meaning “red/pink”) guava variety is unique to the Allahabad belt along the Yamuna and Ganga floodplains. Its GI tag prevents imitation products from other regions from being marketed as “Allahabad Guava.”

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GI Tags of Azamgarh

Azamgarh is known for its distinctive crafts in the eastern UP belt:

Exam tip: Azamgarh query “azamgarh gi tag” most often refers to Nizamabad Black Pottery — the black pottery technique involves firing at low temperature and then polishing with oil.

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UP’s GI Dominance — By the Numbers

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Recent GI Additions (2025)

In April 2025, PM Modi personally awarded GI certificates to 21 traditional products of UP during his Varanasi visit. These were the most significant additions in a single batch:

With these additions, UP now holds 77 GI tags — the highest of any Indian state, surpassing Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Exam fact: The April 2025 batch of 21 GI certificates was presented by PM Modi at Varanasi — making it the largest single-event GI award ceremony for any Indian state.

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Role of DPIIT and State Government

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce oversees GI registration. The UP state government supports GI products through:

• One District One Product (ODOP) — launched by UP government in 2018 to promote district-specific products
• Common Facility Centres — shared infrastructure for testing and quality control
• Margin money subsidy — financial support for artisan enterprises
• Marketing support — Hunar Haat, India International Trade Fair, state emporia
• Skill development — training programmes for traditional artisans

UP’s ODOP scheme covers all 75 districts and aligns closely with GI-tagged products, creating a synergy between legal protection and economic promotion.

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GI Tag Process (Simplified)

1. Application filed by an association of producers (not individuals)
2. Examination by GI Registry for compliance with the Act
3. Publication in the GI Journal for public opposition
4. Registration if no valid opposition
5. Renewal every 10 years
6. Enforcement — registered GI holders can take legal action against misuse

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Key Takeaways

• A GI tag legally protects products linked to a specific geography under the 1999 Act
• UP has ~77 GI products (as of April 2025) — the highest of any Indian state
• Key GI items span textiles (Banarasi sarees, Chikankari), food (Agra Petha, Dasheri Mango), crafts (Moradabad brass, Saharanpur wood), and perfumes (Kannauj attar)
• DPIIT manages GI registration; GI Registry is in Chennai
• ODOP scheme complements GI protection for all 75 UP districts

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Summary Cheat Sheet