800 farmers, entrepreneurs authorised to use GI tag for 13 NE products

Guwahati, May 11 (PTI) A central government agency has authorized 800 farmers and entrepreneurs to use Geographical Index (GI) for 13 agricultural products of the Northeast region, an official said.

The 13 products are Arunachal Orange, Tezpur Lychee and Karbi Anglong Ginger from Assam, Kachai Lemon and ‘Chak-Haw’ Black Rice from Manipur, Khasi Mandarin Orange and Memang Narang Orange from Meghalaya, Miso Chili from Mizoram, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet. Nagaland’s Cucumber, Tripura’s Queen Pineapple and Sikkim’s Big Cardamom and Sikkim’s Dalle Gursani Chilli.

The North East Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) under the Donor Ministry will forward 800 user authorization applications for use of these products from eight NE states to the Chennai Geological Register.

NERAMAC Managing Director Commodore Rajeev Ashok (retd) said on Thursday that the initiative is a significant step towards promoting and preserving the traditional agricultural practices and products of the NER region.

“This initiative will give recognition to the unique qualities and reputation of NER agricultural products and protect them from misuse and counterfeiting,” he said.

The farmers’ accreditation process will improve farmers’ competitiveness in domestic and international markets and create opportunities to increase income and livelihoods, he said.

Renowned GI expert Dr. Rajini Kant Dwivedi pointed out the importance of North East Region (NER) specific GI products and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to promote these.

GI-specific products not only preserve the unique identity and quality of these products but also create employment opportunities for local communities, he said. PTI DG DG NN NN