Government awards GI tag to Mithila Makhana
- Posted By
10Pointer
- Categories
Polity & Governance
- Published
23rd Aug, 2022
-
Context
The government has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana, a move which is expected to help growers get the maximum price for their premium produce.
About Mithila Makhana
- Makhana is a special variety of aquatic cash fruit crops cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar.
- In Mithila culture of Bihar, Makhana is known as Makhaan in Maithili.
- It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the God and Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence.
- The geographical area of production of “Mithila Makhana” takes place in 21 out of 38 districts, mostly situated in the North of the Bihar state.
- Its major regions include Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Begusarai, Madhubani, Katihar among many others.
Geographical Indications in India
- GI tag is the abbreviation of Geographical Indications tags in India.
- It came into force with effect from 15th September 2003.
- A Geographical Indication is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
- This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
- The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) is a sui generis Act for the protection of GI in India.
- India, as a member of the WTO, enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights.
- Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.
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Benefits of GI Tags
- A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.
- Geographical indication tags are given to the products for-
- Legally protecting the goods.
- Preventing unauthorised or illegal use of geographical indication tags by others.
- Helping customers in getting the original items that contain all the specific traits.
- Promoting the economic prosperity of manufacturers/ producers of items under GI tags.
- Items with GI tags get enhanced demand in national as well as international markets.
Important GI tags of Bihar
- Madhubani Paintings
- Katarni Rice
- Magahi Paan
- Silao Khaja
- Shahi Litchi
- Bhagalpuri Zardalu
