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.

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.