Estimation of Total Factor Productivity Growth in Agriculture Sector in Punjab, Pakistan: 1970-2005
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J. Glob. Innov. Agric. Sci.,2021, 9(1):57-65 ISSN (Online): 2311-3839; ISSN (Print): 2312-5225 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22194/JGIAS/9.92556 http://www.jgiass.com AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF JASMINE FLOWER CULTIVATORS AND TRADERS OF SOUTH INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO POST GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION Vidya Suresh1,*, Mustafa Kan2 and Satyanarayna Rentala3 1College of Banking and Financial Studies, PO Box 3122, PC 112, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; 2Kirsehir Ahi Evran University, Agricultural Faculty, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kirsehir-Turkey; 3Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli, India *Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected] The paper aims to highlight the distinctiveness of a Geographical Indication (GI) tagged product from South India, called ‘Madurai Malli’, meaning Jasmine flower. Also, understand the socio-economic challenges of Jasmine cultivators and traders in their day to day life. The purpose was to uncover their plight whose traditional occupation and livelihood had been the cultivation of Jasmine but presently are on the verge of shunning it. The paper adopts an exploratory study using the open- ended approach of grounded theory, including 15 in-depth interviews and an expert group discussion using the snow-ball approach with stakeholders representing the Madurai Malli supply chain at various levels. The data were complemented by documentary photographs taken during the field visit. Though Madurai Malli was recognized with GI, the paper provides empirical insights about support expected from the State concerning the supply chain management of Madurai Malli, i.e., cold logistics, temperature-controlled warehousing, and regulating the minimum price of the produce. Jasmine cultivation is slowly losing its commercial importance partially due to urbanisation and lack of support from the State as well as the Central Government. The study results may not be generalized due to its chosen approach. Cold logistics and supply chain is an essential infrastructure needed for maintaining the freshness and value of perishables. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. However, the work can be extended to other perishable products which are of similar kind but different regions. The paper includes implications for the development of an indigenous product’s supply chain that can improve the socio-economic status of traditional occupations such as cultivation, warehousing, and retail sale of Jasmine, extending the use of GI and raising awareness on producers and consumers. This research is a wake-up call for policymakers who can implement and better scheme for the community involved in Madurai Malli cultivation and trade, thereby restore their livelihood as well as the occupation. This paper fulfils an identified need to study the impact of GI tag on Jasmine flower. Keywords: Floriculture, geographical indication, Madurai Malli, Jasmine flower, shelf life, Supply chain, marketing, refrigerated logistics. INTRODUCTION urban communities have developed unique products based on the interaction between traditional skill and knowledge Geographical Indications (GI’s) are defined in Section 3 of (including selection, production, and processing), cultural Article 22.1 of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property settings, and local environmental conditions such as the Rights (TRIPS) Agreement as "indications which identify a climate and soil (World Bank Report, 2004). Thus, a word good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region may qualify for GI protection by evoking a certain territory, or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation without itself being the name of the territory or other characteristic of the good is essentially at (www.iprsonline.org). attributable to its geographical origin" (World Trade India enacted its GI Act in 1999 and formulated its Organisation, 2016). GI regulation is based on the premise Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and that historical, human and geographical characteristics of a Protection) rules in 2002, which became obligatory from region with a unique identity impart a unique character to September 2003. India is also one of the signatories of the goods produced there (Rangnekar, 2002; Arhanthkumar et al., General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 2013; Phondani et al., 2014; Dinesh 2014; Negi et al., 2017; negotiations (Uruguay round) and a founder member of the Bhadauria 2017; Chaudhary et al., 2017; Kan and Kan, 2020). World Trade Organization (WTO) (Kasturi, 2006). As a The social and economic benefits that GIs would add to public policy instrument, GIs have a positive impact towards nations have made them believe that it is a 'sleeping beauty the protection, sustenance, and development of indigenous IPR' (WIPO, 2007). All over the country, rural and semi- knowledge which in turn is a means for generating income Suresh, Kan & Rentala and livelihood (Rangnekar, 2004; Kan and Gülçubuk, 2008; and increased sales (Kasturi, 2009). For example, in India, Kan and Gülçubuk, 2012; Rose and Umesh 2012; Phondani Kancheepuram handloom and silk sarees (Indian attire for et al., 2013; Dinesh 2014; Chaudhary et al., 2017; Kan and women), well recognized, and reputed brands have many fake Kan, 2020). One of the main objectives of the Indian and cheap substitutes. Such low-quality fake products damage Government is to increase trade through the creation of a the brand image of both producers and consumers of niche market for GI products. Another objective is to provide Kancheepuram sarees. a legal framework to protect consumers from fake products Loureiro and McCluskey (1995) found that less popular and and producers from the unfair competition (Kumar and cheap quality products may earn small or insignificant price Srivastava, 2017). Implementation of these two objectives premiums. Various researchers argued that mere GI would enhance rural skill development, employment, and registration is not enough for exploiting commercial benefits sustenance of livelihood. In India, GI tags are issued as per until and unless it is backed by quality maintenance the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and mechanism and promotional initiatives by Government Protection) Act,1999. This tag is issued by the Geographical (Soam and Hussain, 2011; Philip, 2016; Phondani et al., 2016; Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Kan et al., 2016; Negi et al., 2018). Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Considering the above, the purpose of this paper is to provide Industry. This department is also actively involved in the uniqueness of Madurai Malli, which is the GI product of promotion and marketing of GIs (Soam and Hussain 2011; the Tamil Nadu state and this state is at the second order in Vinayan 2015; Acharya 2015). The number of GI registered terms of GI registered product in India with 35 products (Fig. product by the states of India shown in Figure 1 describe that 2), and understand the challenges of stakeholders in their day the first registration of GIs began in the financial year 2004- to day life. Despite having a GI tag, the producers and traders 05 after the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration prefer to leave this traditional business. Though official data & Protection) Act, 1999 came into effect from September depict a healthy trend in the production of Madurai Malli, the 2003. The Geographical Indications Registry has a total of reality is the cry for help from State by the farmers who 361 GIs registered in India as of September 2019. produce it. Of the 34 products tagged as GI in Tamil Nadu, Madurai Malli is one among them. Figure 1. Annual number of GIs registered in India (Factly, 2019) A registered GI is a public property that belongs to stakeholders of a product and cannot be passed on, assigned, or even mortgaged. The GI tag is valid for ten years and can be renewed on payment of a fee. Any entity/individual not Figure 2. Number of registered GIs in India by the States happy with the decision or quality of the produce can file an (Factly, 2019). appeal to the intellectual property appellate board (IPAB) within three months. It has the potential to eliminate Jasmine flower with special reference to Madurai Malli: information asymmetry and thereby expose producers or Flowers are an essential part of our social life and find a place traders who sell low quality products at the same price. in almost every occasion in India (Braun et al., 2009; However, this unethical practice of selling duplicate products Phondani et al., 2016). Floral decoration adds elegance to the using the name of reputed products is widespread in both the marriage as they represent happiness, joy, love, and affection. Indian and international markets. This fetches better prices In Hindu marriages, the exchange of garlands between bride 58 Socio-economic challenges of farmers and groom indicates the natural circle of protection and 2010; Tanida, 2008; Hongratanaworakit, 2010; Purohit et al., spirituality. It is used for honouring the guests, worship of 2016). gods, bridal cosmetics, and even for the memorial service. Tamil Nadu used to be one of the leading producers of Flowers have made a permanent place and generated regular Jasmine in India with an annual production of 77,267 tons demand in worship places, festivals, and hairdressing for from a cultivated area of 9360 hectares and was ranked second ladies. in India in the area under