• Sanjay Kumar
• Gautam Kumar
• Krishnan Chalil

Abstract: Geographical Indications (GIs) have become vital instruments for enhancing the market value, cultural identity, and economic sustainability of region-specific products. As a form of intellectual property, GIs protect authenticity while supporting rural development by linking product reputation with geographical and socio-cultural characteristics. In India, their relevance has increased as agricultural communities confront competition, market instability, and structural challenges. Bihar Makhana (Euryale ferox), commonly known as fox nut, received the GI Tag in 2022, acknowledging its historical and ecological association with the Mithila region, with Madhubani district being a major hub of traditional pond-based cultivation, processing, and trade. This paper evaluates the economic impact of the GI Tag on Madhubani by examining livelihood changes, value chain restructuring, price movements, employment generation, and local development outcomes. Drawing from secondary literature, institutional reports, and field insights—supported by comparisons of pre- and post-GI price data (2019–2023)—the study finds that the GI Tag has strengthened market identity, improved price realization, enhanced bargaining power in certain segments, boosted processing-related employment, and expanded national and export demand. Nevertheless, issues such as low farmer awareness, intermediary dominance, uneven benefit distribution, weak infrastructure, and limited producer organization capacity continue to hinder progress. The analysis concludes that while the GI Tag holds significant potential for rural economic revitalization, its long-term impact depends on effective institutional coordination, producer participation, and sustainable value chain practices.

Geographical Indications (GI), Bihar Makhana / Madhubani, Rural Development, Value Chain Analysis, Economic Impact, Traditional Pond-based Cultivation

"GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION IMPACT ON RURAL ECONOMY: A Case Study of Makhana in Madhubani District, Bihar", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no.c817-c825, November-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511298.pdf

"GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION IMPACT ON RURAL ECONOMY: A Case Study of Makhana in Madhubani District, Bihar", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 11, page no. ppc817-c825, November-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2511298.pdf