Madhya Pradesh

• 07 Mar 2024

Madhya Pradesh Ratlam's Riyawan Garlic Receives GI Tag

Why in News?

Recently, the flavourful garlic from Riyawan village in Jaora tehsil of Ratlam district has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Key Points

• The GI registration process for Riyawan Garlic was initiated in January 2022 by the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Riyawan Farm Fresh Producer Company in Chennai.
• Riyawan Garlic is renowned for its unique quality and high yield, with each bulb containing five to six cloves. Known for its pungent and robust flavour, this garlic variety also boasts a higher oil content compared to others.
  • The GI tag opens up new opportunities in international markets, complementing the state government's efforts to promote Ratlam's garlic as a district product.
  • The garlic variety is already in high demand within the country under the name RiyaWan Silver Garlic.
  • For two decades, garlic has been cultivated using traditional methods in Riyawan village of Piploda tehsil.
• Riyawan has earned a reputation as the pioneer village for seed development, due to its unique qualities such as white curtain, bud size, and medicinal value. Its high storage capacity allows for long-term preservation.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
• The GI tag ensures that only the authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.
  • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.
• A registered GI is valid for 10 years.
• GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Legal Framework and Obligations:
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• It is governed and directed by the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
  • Furthermore, the significance of protecting industrial property and geographical indications as integral components of intellectual property is acknowledged and emphasised in Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention.