In April 2025, Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Geographical Indication (GI) Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to 7 more products from West Bengal (WB) including ‘Nolen Gurer Sandesh’, Baruipur guavas, and Kamarpukur’s White Bonde.
- With these additions, WB now has 32 products with GI tags. This move is expected to boost the identity and market value of these local items.
- Several organisations helped in securing the GI tags. Misti Udyog, well-known group of sweet makers in WB, applied for the Traditional sweets, Baruipur Farmers Producer Company Limited for the Baruipur guavas, and the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute at WB for Radhunipagal rice.
List of 7 Newly GI-Tagged Products from West Bengal:
| S.No. | Name of the GI Products | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nolen Gurer Sandesh | Traditional Sweets |
| 2 | Kamarpukur’s White Bonde | |
| 3 | Murshidabad’s Chhanabora | |
| 4 | Bishnupur’s Motichur Laddoo | |
| 5 | Baruipur Guavas | Agriculture |
| 6 | Radhunipagal Rice | |
| 7 | Malda’s Nistari Silk Yarn | Textile |
Key Features of GI-Tagged Products:
i.Nolen Gurer Sandesh: It is a special sweet enjoyed during winter in Bengali homes. It is made using fresh chhena (curdled milk) and nolen gur (a type of date palm jaggery that is available only in winter). The jaggery gives the sandesh a deep, caramel-like taste and a beautiful golden colour.
ii.Kamarpukur’s White Bonde : It is a traditional sweet known for its cultural value. It is less sweet compared to the yellow bonde and has a dry texture on the outside.
iii.Murshidabad’s Chhanabora: It is made using chhena (cottage cheese) and dipped in sugar syrup. It has a firm outer layer and a soft, juicy inside. The sweet is first deep-fried and then soaked in syrup, giving it a special flavour and texture different from other Bengali sweets.
iv.Bishnupurer Motichur Laddu: It is a well-known sweet from Bishnupur, prepared using flour made by crushing Piyal tree seeds, which adds a gentle nutty flavour. Mixed with sugar and ghee, the laddu is soft, aromatic, and made using traditional methods followed in the region for years.
v.Baruipur Guava: It is grown in the Baruipur region of WB, is famous for its larger and rounder shape compared to other varieties, and is valued for its crisp texture and juicy pulp.
vi.Radhunipagal rice: It is a small, brownish-white aromatic grain grown in winter, known for its mildly sweet taste and richness in iron and zinc, which also gives it some health benefits.
vii.Malda’s Nistari Silk Yarn: It is produced from the cocoons of the Nistari variety of mulberry silkworm is known for its fine texture and luxurious feel.
About Geographical Indication (GI) Tags:
i.A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation inherent to that location.
ii.In India, GI tags are administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect on September 15, 2003.
iii.The Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN)-based GI Registry oversees the registration process, aiming to protect the unique identity of regional products and prevent unauthorized use.
Note: The Minister of Commerce & Industry(MoC&I) set a target of reaching 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by 2030
About West Bengal (WB):
Chief Minister (CM)– Mamata Banerjee
Governor– C. V. Ananda Bose
Capital– Kolkata
Wildlife Sanctuary – Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
