Famous ‘Banarasi Paan’ and ‘Langda Aam’ (mango) of Varanasi have entered the Geographical Indication (GI) list recently. As many as 33 products were granted GI certification on March 31 by the GI Registry, Chennai. Among them, 10 belonged to UP, including two from Varanasi.
A geographical indication (GI) tag is a sign used on locally produced products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities that are due to that origin. A product can be given a GI tag if it is a specialty of a given place.
Besides, Banarasi paan and langda mango two more products from the region, Ramnagar Bhanta (brinjal) and Chandausi’s adamchini chawal (rice) were given the GI tags.
As per the GI Registry list, the newly added items from Varanasi include Aligarh Tala, Bakharia Brassware, Banda Shazar Patthar Craft, Nagina Wood Craft, Pratapgarh Aonla, and Hathras Hing.
The GI tags were first introduced in 2003, wherein Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get a GI tag.
The GI tag recognition is a significant achievement for the people associated with the production and trade of these crops.
Talking about the GI tags, Dr Rajnikant, a GI specialist said, “All four products are related to agriculture and horticulture. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Uttar Pradesh government have played a pivotal role in the process to obtain the GI tags. ”
He said that over 20 lakh people are involved in the trade of the four products with an annual business of approximately Rs 25,500 crore, the Government had applied for GI tags for 20 products, and 11 products made it to the GI club.
These products are estimated to generate revenue of Rs 25,500 crore annually. He also hopes to add the remaining nine items to the national intellectual property list by the end of next month. Some of them are Banaras Lal Peda, Banarasi Thandai, Tirangi Barfi, Banaras Lal Bharwa Mirch and Banaras Lal Peda.
Meanwhile, efforts are being made under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme of the Uttar Pradesh Government to promote special products of the region, such as Banarasi sarees and metal crafts, and obtain GI tags for them.
More than 1,000 farmers will receive a GI-approved user certificate upon registration.
AGM Anuj Kumar Singh of NABARD congratulates all participating farmers, producers, FPOs and affiliated self-help groups. He also announced that NABARD would launch several programs to advance these GI products soon. Financial institutions will help with production and sales, he added.
Earlier, 18 products from Kashi and the Purvanchal region had GI tags.
Banaras Brocade and Sarees, Banaras Metal Reposi Craft, Handmade Bhadohi Carpets, Mirzapur Handmade Carpets, Varanasi Gulabi Meenakari, Varanasi Wooden lacquerware and Toys, Nizamabad Black Patri, Banaras Glass Beads, Varanasi Softstone Jaali Work, Ghazipur Wall Hangig, Chunar Sandstone, Banaras Hand Block Print, Chunar Glaze Patari, Gorakhpur Terracotta Craft, Banaras Zardozi, Banaras Wood Carving, Mirzapur Brass Utensils and Mau Saree are some of the products that were earlier awarded GI tags.
