BASIC SCIENCE-BIOLOGY-CHAPTER-1-LET'S CULTIVATE AND REAP GOODNESS-EXTRA READ [EM]

 

Kuttiattoor Mango and Kodungallur Pottuvellari are not just delicious fruits; they are symbols of Kerala's agro-cultural richness. Their GI (Geographical Indication) tags are marks of authenticity and heritage. Let us listen to their friendly exchange.

What is a GI Tag?

• It is a special label given to products that come from a specific place.
• The product possesses unique features or a good reputation because of that place.
• A GI tag is a certification of authenticity.
•  It proves that the product is made in a traditional way and has qualities linked to its region.

Key Aspects of a GI Tag 

Origin

• The product must originate from a specific geographical region (village, town, or country).

Qualities/Reputation: 

• The unique characteristics or reputation of the product must be primarily due to its geographical origin, including natural factors (climate, soil) and human traditions (skills,knowledge).

Legal Protection: 

• A GI tag offers legal protection, preventing misuse or imitation of the name by unauthorized producers outside the defined area.

Categories

Gl tags apply to various products:

• Agricultural products (e.g., Darjeeling Tea, Basmati Rice)
• Foodstuffs (e.g., Srivilliputtur Palkova) 
• Handicrafts (e.g., Mysore Silk, Kanjeevaram Sarees) 
• Wines and spirits
• Industrial goods

Benefits of a GI Tag

Legal Protection

• Safeguards producers from imitations or counterfeit goods.

Authenticity Assurance

• Helps consumers identify genuine, high-quality products.

Economic Prosperity

• Boosts market value and income for local producers.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

• Promotes the continuation of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship. Boosts Exports and Tourism: Enhances international reputation, promoting exports and tourism.
• Legal Framework in India In India, Gl tags are a form of intellectual property right (IPR). They are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, administered by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

What Makes a Product Eligible for a GI Tag?

• To be eligible, a product must: »Originate from a specific geographical location. Possess distinctive characteristics linked to that location.
• Be produced using traditional knowledge or methods. Have an established history or reputation in that region.
• Once these conditions are satisfied, the product may be registered and gain legal protection and recognition.

India, known for its agricultural diversity, boasts numerous GI- tagged products. Here are some notable ones,

1. Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal):

• The first Indian Gl tag (2004), known globally for its unique musky aroma and flavour. It is grown in the hills of Darjeeling. 

2. Alphonso Mango (Maharashtra): 

• Also called the "King of Mangoes", it is grown in Ratnagiri and Devgad. It is known for its rich sweetness and saffron- coloured pulp.

3. Basmati Rice (North India):

• Famous for its long grains and fragrance, grown across Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Western UP.

4. Malabar Pepper (Kerala)

• Cultivated along Kerala's Malabar coast, this black pepper is known for its bold taste and medicinal properties.

5. Kodaikanal Garlic (Tamil Nadu):

• Grown in the Western Ghats, known for its strong flavour and high allicin content.

6. Nagpur Orange (Maharashtra):

• Juicy, tangy oranges cultivated in the black soil of Vidarbha.

7. Coorg Orange E (Karnataka):

• Grown in the coffee  plantations of Coorg, these Care smaller but more flavourful.

8. Kashmiri Saffron I (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Grown in Pampore, famous for its deep red strands and E high crocin content. 9. Mahabaleshwar

9. Strawberry (Maharashtra): 

• Grown in laterite soil and cool climate, these are extra sweet and juicy.

10. Banganapalli Mango (Andhra Pradesh):

• A fibreless variety known for its golden yellow skin and pleasant taste.

GI Tags Beyond Agriculture

While agriculture dominates India's GI list, several handicrafts, textiles, I and industrial products have also received GI status. 

Examples

• Mysore Silk (Karnataka)
• Kanjeevaram Sarees (Tamil Nadu)
• Pochampally Ikat (Telangana)
• Blue Pottery (Jaipur, Rajasthan),
• Channapatna Toys (Karnataka). 

These reflect the cultural artistry and heritage of their regions.

Challenges in the GI Ecosystem

• Despite the advantages, some challenges limit the Gl ecosystem's impact. 

They are:

• Lack of Awareness: Many farmers and artisans don't know about Gl tags or how to apply.

• Counterfeit Products: Fake goods using the GI name damage the reputation of authentic products.
• Limited Marketing Support: Most GI holders lack access to branding. packaging, and international marketing. 
• Coordination Gaps: GI registration and upkeep require coordination among cooperatives, officials, and legal teams, I which is often lacking.

What Can Be Done?
To unlock the full potential of GI tags, India should, 

• Educate producers about Gl rights and benefits. 
• Provide legal and technical help in filing applications.
• Strengthen enforcement to prevent misuse.
• Support branding and export promotion for GI- tagged products.
• Raise consumer awareness to value and prefer authentic Gl products.

Gl tags preserve the authenticity and origin of India's rich and diverse produce. They protect our products.
They also uplift communities, preserve heritage, and fuel economic growth.

A Conversation Between Two GI Celebrities

Kuttiattoor Mango: 

• Namaskaram, Pottuvellari! I see you've cracked open - ripe and ready as always? 

Kodungallur Pottuvellari: 

• Namaskaram, Kutti! Yes, my spontaneous cracking is my signature. You're glowing golden! Still charming everyone with your sweetness?

Kuttiattoor Mango: 

• Always! My intense, honey-like sweetness, vibrant aroma, and fibreless pulp make me irresistible.

Kodungallur Pottuvellari: 

• That sounds delightful! I heard you received a GI tag. What sets you apart from other mangoes?

Kuttiattoor Mango: 

• Indeed! I hail from Kuttiattoor village in Kannur and was awarded the GI tag in 2021. My farmers use traditional, chemical-free ripening methods like hay and Kaanjiram leaves.

Kodungallur Pottuvellari:

• Well, my GI tag celebrates my unique qualities too - spontaneous cracking, high water content, and cooling properties, thanks to the alluvial soil of Kodungallur. 

Kuttiattoor Mango: 

• Exactly! The GI tag not only protects our names but also celebrates the agro-climatic uniqueness of our regions.

Kodungallur Pottuvellari: 

• Right! It ensures our authenticity and supports local farmers by linking us to our land and traditions.

Kuttiattoor Mango: 

• Absolutely! I'm not just a fruit. I'm a symbol of mycommunity, providing livelihood. And I'm often gifted as a token of pride.

Kodungallur Pottuvellari: 

• Indeed! We are living examples of how local knowledge and natural conditions shape unique products, now protected and celebrated by the GI tag.