Bihar

• 10 Aug 2024

GI Tag for Five Iconic Products

Why in News?

The Bihar state agriculture department is working together with Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) in Bhagalpur to obtain geographical indication (GI) certification for at least 54 distinct region-specific products.

• Research is already in advanced stages for five key items as part of this collaborative effort.

Key Points

• Five advanced stage products are 'litti chokha' (Bihar's staple dish), Sonachur rice and Gulshan tomato from Rohtas, 'singhara' (water chestnut) and Digha Malda mango from Patna.
• The states with the most geographical indication (GI) tags are Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • Bihar has six GI-tagged products - Shahi litchi, Bhagalpuri Zardalu mango, Katarni rice, Maricha rice, Magahi paan (betel leaf) and makhana (foxnut).
• The central government's commerce ministry is backing the drive for Geographical Indication (GI) tags, in accordance with India's commitments as a member of the World Trade Organization and under the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) agreement.

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.