The Geographical Indications Registry, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Chennai, has recently awarded geographical indication (GI) tags to a collective of 8 distinct products. Among these, 3 originate from Arunachal Pradesh, 1 from Tamil Nadu, 2 from Jammu and Kashmir, 1 from Odisha, and 1 from Goa.
GI Tagged products are:
| State | GI Product | Goods |
|---|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh Yak Churpi | Food Stuffs |
| Arunachal Pradesh Khaw Tai” (Khamti Rice) | Agriculture | |
| Arunachal Pradesh Tangsa Textile Product | Textiles | |
| Tamil Nadu | Udangudi Panangkarupatti | Food Stuffs |
| Jammu and Kashmir (J & K) | Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products | Textiles |
| Udhampur Kaladi | Food Stuffs | |
| Odisha | Kendrapara Rasabali | Food Stuffs |
| Goa | Goa Cashew (Kaju Or Caju) | Agriculture |
Arunachal gets GI tag for Tawang’s Yak churpi, Khaw Tai (Khamti rice), Tangsa textile
Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining GI tags for 3 distinct products: Khamti rice, Yak churpi from Tawang, and Tangsa textile.
Yak Churpi from Tawang:
i.The Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Yak (ICAR-NRC on Yak) in Arunachal Pradesh applied for the GI registration of “Yak Churpi” in December 2021.
ii.“Churpi” is a dairy product (Cheese) derived from the milk of the indigenous Arunachali yak breed, primarily found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
iii.Yak Churpi is a naturally fermented dairy product made from yak milk and holds significance in the Himalayan region, including India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
iv.The GI tag for Yak Churpi is expected to boost pastoral production systems and yak rearing activities across the nation.
Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice):
Khamti rice is a sticky rice variety cultivated in the Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Tangsa Textile:
Textile products originating from the Tangsa tribe in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh are renowned for their unique designs and vibrant colors.
Support from NABARD and ‘Vocal for Local’ Campaign:
- The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has actively supported the registration of indigenous products from the region for Geographical Indication (GI) as part of the state government’s “Vocal for Local” campaign.
Udangudi Panangkarupatti from Tamil Nadu:
Udangudi Panangkarupatti
- Udangudi Panangkarupatti, a specific type of palm jaggery or “gur” originating from Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu.
- The uniqueness of this palm jaggery lies in its traditional production method.
International Popularity
- Udangudi jaggery has gained recognition not only locally but also internationally. It is exported to countries such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Basohli Pashmina and Udhampur’s Kaladi:
Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products
- Basohli Pashmina, a traditional hand-spun Pashmina craft from Kathua district, J&K, obtained the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- It is renowned for its exceptional softness, fineness, and feather-like weight.
Udhampur’s Kaladi Dairy Product:
- Kaladi is a popular Dogra cuisine with its origins in Udhampur district’s Ramnagar.
Sweet Dish ‘Rasabali’ of Odisha’s Kendrapara
Rasabali is a mouthwatering delicacy originating from the 262-year-old Baladevjew temple in Ichhapur, on the outskirts of Kendrapara town.
- It comprises deep-fried flattened reddish-brown cheese patties soaked in thickened and sweetened milk.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Rasabali is part of the 56 offerings, known as Chhapan Bhog, presented to Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings at Puri Srimandir.
- Its historical roots trace back to medieval times during the reign of King Anangabhima Deva.
- The sweetmeat was initially prepared only inside the Sri Baladevjew Temple but has now gained popularity throughout Kendrapara, Odisha.
Goa Cashew (Kaju Or Caju)
i.This recognition is in alignment with the Swayampurna Goa mission, emphasizing self-sufficiency.
ii.The unique identity and taste of Goa cashews result from the overall climatological impact of Goa and traditional farming practices followed by Goans.
iii.It is the 10th product of the state to get the coveted GI tag.
- Other nine Goan products/produce that previously received GI tag are: Harmal chilli, Khola chilli, Myndoli banana, Agassaim brinjal, Sat Shiro bhendo, cashew Feni, Goa Khaje, Mancurad mango and Goan Bebinca.
About GI Tags:
i.A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country)
ii.This tag is issued by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
iii.International agreements like the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Articles 1 (2) and 10) and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (Articles 22 to 24) recognize and govern geographical indications.
iv.India, a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 15, 2003, and is aimed at registering and safeguarding geographical indications, preserving the heritage and uniqueness of products linked to specific geographic regions.
Note: Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get a GI tag in the year 2004, the GI tag for Darjeeling Tea is valid upto October 26 2023.
