Expectations towards Geographical Indications-Empirical Evidence from India Neetha Rose C. D., Research Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India – 560 065. [
[email protected]] K.B.Umesh, Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India – 560 065 [e-mail:
[email protected]] Contributed Paper prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference, Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, 18-24 August, 2012. Copyright 2012 by Neetha Rose C. D. and K. B. Umesh . All rights reserved. Readers may make verbatim copies of this document for non-commercial purposes by any means, provided that this copyright notice appears on all such copies. Expectations towards Geographical Indications-Empirical Evidence from India Neetha Rose C. D 1 and K. B. Umesh 2 1. Research Fellow, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India – 560 065. 2. Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, India – 560 065 Abstract In India agricultural products bearing Geographical Indication (GI) registration has increased progressively. GI registration is an indication that links the uniqueness of products towards the origin and thus, reduces the asymmetry of information between producer and consumer, ensuring market transparency, price stability and reduction in information costs. GIs can be used as an effective tool for ensuring the quality of the produce as well as developing brands for local agriculture products. Granting GI will assure the success only if the consumer values GI label. So far empirical evidence with respect to consumers’ awareness and WTP for GI product is mostly restricted to developed countries.