GI Tag For Darjeeling Green, White Tea

News:Geographical Indication Registry of India has accorded Geographical Indication(GI) tag to Green Tea and White Tea of Darjeeling.

Facts:

About Green Tea and White Tea:

• Green Tea and White Tea are made from the same tea leaves of Camellia sinensis.
• Green tea leaves are processed less than black but more than white tea. The lack of oxidation ensures that the nutrients specifically the polyphenols are preserved to make it rich in antioxidants.
• On the other hand,White tea is known as the most delicate tea varieties. This is because it is minimally processed.The leaves are harvested before the leaves open completely.

About GI tag:

• A geographical indication(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.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 provides registration and also protection of GI goods in India.
• The act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and trademarks under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• GI tag secures the quality and authenticity of a product to a particular geographical origin.It provides legal protection from duplication. Darjeeling Tea is the first good to receive a GI Tag in India.

Additional information:

Tea cultivation in India:

• Tea cultivation and plantation in India is practiced in Assam, Darjeeling, Nilgiri Hills of South India and Tarai along the foothills of the Himalayas .
• India is currently (a)largest consumer of tea in the world (b)second largest producer of tea in the world and (c)fourth largest exporter of tea in the world.