Shimla, Mar 15
Himachal Pradesh Government stated on Monday that no proposal of granting Geographical Indicators (GI) tagging to white Maize is pending. The same is being grown by the farmers from Salooni area of Chamba district.
Replying to a written query of Asha Kumari, Cong Member from Dalhousie Agriculture Minister Virender Kanwar said that three varieties of White Maize namely ‘Hachhi Kukdi’, ‘Ratti’ and ‘Chitku’ are being grown in many villages of Salooni Subdivision of Chamba district. He said that no proposal is pending with the state Government to seek granting of GI indicators for the white maize.
The member wanted to know if Salooni Safed Makka Sanghathan has sent a proposal to Govt to seek GI tagging for White Maize however minister replied in negative.
What is GI tagging?
A geographical indication or GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999. Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
In February this year even farmers of Bella valley in’ Hatti’ area of Sirmaur district had demanded to get Geographical Indication (GI) tag and registration for the unique Ginger Powder producing technique of the area. They said that the state must complete for the Turmeric powder’s GI registration based on it’s special extraction and formulation technique, which is centuries old.
