Impact of Geographical Indications on Revitalisation of Local Economy: A Case Study of Darjeeling Tea

Abstract

Darjeeling is an important tourist destination and situated in the lower Himalayas at an average elevation of above 2000 m. Next to water, tea is the most extensively consumed beverage by human beings. Today, hills of Darjeeling positioned as one of the best quality tea productions in the world. Darjeeling tea has a complex and unique amalgamation of agro-climatic conditions which contributed to its unique savour and quality that has won the heart of millions of consumers across the globe. The unique quality and reputation of the tea attributable to its geographical origin was the major reason for Darjeeling tea to get the first Geographical Indications (GI) status in India in 2004. The basic objective of the study is to analyse the role of Geographical Indications in improving the living standard of the local community. After the analysis, it was concluded that tea is a labour-intensive industry which required a good number of labourers to plant, bend, pluck and manufacture. Darjeeling's fragile ecosystem has been endangered by increasing demand for natural resources. There is an urgent need to make locals aware about the different advantages of GI so that they can avail the benefits of it and improve things in future.