The government has now allotted Geographical Indication or GI tags to four new products from the Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Kerala states.
It is to be noted that, GI is an indication which is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess the qualities or reputation that are due to that origin. The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has now recently registered GIs for Palani Panchamirtham in Palani Town, Tamil Nadu, Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puanchei from Mizoram and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala, according to a government statement.
Palani Panchamirtham, which is a ‘prasadam’ or religious offering in temple have been allotted a GI, in a first. Tawlhlohpuan, is a fine quality fabric woven in Mizoram, and Mizo Puanchei, essentially a shawl, is considered the most colourful textile in the northeastern state. Tirur betel vine is cultivated in Malappuram district of Kerala, and is valued for its medicinal and cultural usages.
As per a press statement, “GI products can also benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is actively involved in promotion and marketing of GIs.”
Interestingly, a long-drawn tussle between West Bengal and Odisha was resolved after latter secured a GI tag for its own variant of rasgulla.
