Nagri Dubraj Got GI Tag

• 30 Nov 2021

Why in News

• In the meeting of the Geographical Indication Committee held at Gwalior on November 29, 2021, approval was given to give GI tag to the 'Nagri Dubraj' variety of paddy in Dhamtari development block of Chhattisgarh.

Key Points

• 'Nagri Dubraj' is the second crop of the state of Chhattisgarh, which has got the Geographical Indication Registry tag, i.e. GI tag. Prior to this, the state has got a GI tag for the variety of cumin flower paddy.
• Nagari Dubraj is also called Basmati in Chhattisgarh, because this rice is used as a fragrant rice in traditional banquet programs of Chhattisgarh.
• The origin of the city Dubraj is believed to be from the Shringi Rishi Ashram area of Sihawa. It is also described in Valmiki Ramayana. In various research papers also, the source of Dubraj has been told to the city Sihawa.
• The rice coming out of the city of Dubraj is very fragrant. It is a completely indigenous variety and has small grains. Its rice is very soft to eat after cooking. One acre gives a maximum yield of six quintals. Paddy has a low height and maturity period of 125 days.
• According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a Geographical Indication Tag is a type of label that gives a specific geographical identity to a particular crop, natural or artificial product. It is considered a right of intellectual property.
• The Indian Parliament had implemented 'Geographical Indications of Goods' in 1999 under the Registration and Protection Act. On this basis, the legal right of a specific item found in any area of India is given to that state, person or organization etc.