The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry (Chennai, Tamil Nadu-TN) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade(DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry(MoCI) has granted the GI tag to 8 products from the Assam.
- The 8 new GI products include traditional food items and several unique varieties of rice beer reflecting the practices of the Bodo Tribe of Assam.
8 New GI Products from Assam:
| GI Product | Goods type |
|---|---|
| Jou Gwran | Manufactured Goods |
| Maibra Jou Bidwi | |
| Jou Gishi | |
| Napham – Fermented Fish | Food Stuffs |
| Ondla / Onla | Agriculture |
| Gwkha – Gwkhwi | |
| Narzi | |
| Aronai | Textiles |
Details of the New GI Prodcts:
i.The application for the GI tag for Jou Gwran; Maibra Jou Bidwi and Jou Gishi, the rice beer variants, were filed by the Bodo Traditional Brewers Association
ii.The Bodo community views these drinks as a gift from Lord Shiva and often uses it for medicinal purposes.
- Jou Gwran– This boasts the highest alcohol content at around 16.11% among rice beers by Bodo community.
- Maibra Jou Bidwi– Also called ‘Maibra Jwu Bidwi’ or ‘Maibra Zwu Bidwi’, this drink is cherished as a welcome beverage, made by fermenting half-cooked rice with minimal water and adding ‘amao’ for yeast.
- Jou Gishi– It is another traditionally fermented rice-based alcoholic drink.
iii.The Association of Traditional Food Products has secured the GI tag for Napham – Fermented Fish; Ondla / Onla; Gwkha – Gwkhwi; and Narzi.
- Napham– It is a fermented fish dish made anaerobically in a sealed container in a process that requires about two-three months. The Bodo people use various preservation methods, such as smoking, drying, salting, fermentation, and marination, particularly due to heavy rainfall and limited fish availability.
- Ondla– It is a rice powder curry flavoured with garlic, ginger, salt, and lkali.
- Gwkha– Also known as ‘Gwka Gwkhi,’ is a dish prepared for the Bwisagu festival, a springtime festival of the Bodo community that marks the beginning of the New Year.
- Narzi– It is a semi-fermented dish made with jute leaves (Corchorus capsularis), which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
iii.The Association of Traditional Bodo Weavers has secured a GI tag for the Bodo Aronai, a small, beautiful cloth measuring 1.5 to 2.5 meters long and 0.5 meters wide.
- This traditional garment is often draped over the shoulder and is crafted by local artisans. Its vibrant designs, inspired by nature, include motifs of trees, flowers, birds, and mountains, highlighting the Bodo community’s connection to their environment.
Recent Related News:
i.Guwahati (Assam) based North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has secured Oeko-Tex certification directly from Germany for the Eri Silk of Assam. The Oeko-Tex certification standard 100 ensures textiles are tested for harmful substances and produced in eco-friendly conditions.
ii.The Government of Assam has declared Kaji Nemu (Citrus Limon) as the State Fruit of Assam. The announcement was made by Assam’s Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, following a Cabinet meeting. Kaji Nemu is also known as the “Queen of all citrus fruits”
About Geographical Indications Registry (GIR):
It is a part of Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI). It administer the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registrationand Protection) Act, 1999.
Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN)
