A geographical indication tag is given to an item that has its relevance from a particular geographical area. It can be sought for variety of products related to food, agriculture, handicraft and handlooms. This helps a particular product to get a logo that can be used only by registered and authorized users. It also helps in marketing of products, where place of origin can be made known to customers and this also indicates the originality of the product. If someone uses the logo in unauthorized manner then civil and criminal proceedings can be initiated against the individual.
Since we all are aware about the diversity of our country India, therefore we find various types of products that are indigenously produced in different geographical locations of the country. Lets look at some of these products that have been granted GI tag last year in 2020-21.
DINDIGUL LOCKS: In manufacturing sector Dindigul locks of Tamil Nadu have received GI tag. These locks are being manufactured from past 500 years in various parts within the district. These locks offer various types of unique and attractive designs and are generally purchased for temples. Various types of Dindigul locks include: Mango lock, door lock, trick lock, bell lock, drawer lock, shutter lock. The specialty of these locks is that lever mechanism in locks is assembled manually and contains unique type of key code. Shackles are designed very precisely providing good resistance against the breaker.
MANIPURI BLACK RICE: In foodstuff it was Manipuri black rice that has received GI tag in 2020. Locals also call it Chakhao. Scented glutinous rice has been in cultivation for several centuries in Manipur. It is characterized by its distinct smell or aroma and is eaten during festivals. Black colour pigment is present in this rice variety known as anthocyanin. It is said that this rice variety contains more vitamin and minerals than white and brown rice grown in other parts of the country. This GI tag will help in commercialization of this product.
MUNSIYARI RAJMA: This agricultural category product is found in Uttarakhand. White Kidney beans are large, with thin white skin. Kidney beans have the capacity of preventing cancer and are nutritious in nature. Therefore they are called as “King of Nutrition”. It is claimed that these kidney beans are grown in chemical free climatic conditions that gives them unique taste and health benefits. It derives its name from a town in Uttarakhand known as Munsiyari.
CHUNAR GLAZE POTTERY: Handicraft category product found in Uttar Pradesh, India. This type of pottery is prepared by villagers in chunar area of Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh. This work is being carried out for generations. This pottery is made using the soil collected from rice field. Red clay is used for making the pottery along with use of silver paint to make delicate designs. ‘Kabiz’ is the powder that is prepared to give it a glossy finish.
MAHOBA DESAWARI PAN: Agricultural category product is found in parts of Uttar Pradesh
and Madhya Pradesh. It derive its name from district of Uttar Pradesh. This type of betel leaf is grown using a traditional method. It requires soil with high moisture content along with shady area with high humidity. The specialty of this Betel leaf is that it is fibreless, crispy, sweet in taste and has pleasant aroma. It is in high demand in places such as Shajahanpur, Bareilly, Meerut, Moradabad and Banaras.
BALAGHAT CHINNOR: It is rice variety found in Madhya Pradesh. It was the first agricultural variety from Madhya Pradesh to get GI tag. The uniqueness of this rice is that it has string aroma before and after cooking. The Kheer prepared from this rice contains flavor of rice and no additional flavors are required to be added. Chinnor rice is locally called as “Chiknaiyukt Nokdaar Chavur”. Cooking time of this rice is also less due to alkaline score of 4. It is also used in preparation of local cuisine known as “Bhata-Bhatt”.
DISCLAIMER-
The views are that of author’s own and not necessarily the views of IPTSE Academy. This blog is a platform for academic discussions and hence authors have been given flexibility to convey their thought process.
AUTHOR:
Tushar Srivastava, Student at law School, IIT Kharagpur.
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