Panna Diamonds Get Geographical Indication (GI) Tag | 18 Nov 2025
Why in News?
The diamonds mined in Panna district (Madhya Pradesh) have officially been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, giving them a recognised identity and premium value in national and global markets.
Key Points
- About Panna Diamonds:
- Panna is India’s only diamond-producing district, and under this tag the stones will be marketed as “Panna Diamond” in the 14-Natural Goods Category.
- he Majhgawan Mine in Panna, operated by the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), is the only organized, mechanized diamond mine currently operating in India.
- The diamond mining process in Panna involves small leased plots (commonly 8 × 8 metres) where soil is dug, sieved, washed and separated. Diamonds found there are deposited at the District Diamond Office for quarterly auctions.
- With the addition of Panna diamonds, Madhya Pradesh has reached 21 products with GI tags including Chanderi Saree, Ratlami Sev, Gond Painting, and others.
- Panna is India’s only diamond-producing district, and under this tag the stones will be marketed as “Panna Diamond” in the 14-Natural Goods Category.
- About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 is the Indian law governing GI tags; it came into effect on 15th September 2003.
- A GI tag certifies that a good originates from a specific geographic region, and its quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to that location.
- Only authorised users from that region may use the registered GI name, which helps protect the product from international misuse and fake substitutes.
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)
- NMDC is India’s largest iron ore producer and a central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, established in 1958.
- It is engaged in the exploration, extraction, and production of a wide range of minerals, including iron ore, diamonds, copper, limestone, and dolomite
