GI tag to Manipur black rice, Gorakhpur terracotta

News:Geographical Indication Registry of India has accorded Geographical Indication(GI) tag to Manipur Black Rice and Gorakhpur Terracotta.

Facts:

Manipur Black Rice:

• Black rice locally known as chakhao is grown in the plains and hills of Manipur.It owes its colour to natural black pigments called anthocyanins.
• It is normally eaten during community feasts and is served as Chak­Hao kheer.
• The rice is a source of iron, vitamin E and antioxidants and is used as a traditional medicine.

Gorakhpur Terracotta:

• The terracotta work of Go­rakhpur is a centuries old traditional art form, where the potters make various animal figures like, horses, elephants, camel, goat and ox with hand applied ornamentation.
• Terracotta:It is a type of ceramic craft.It is made by baking terracotta clay and is often used for making pipes, bricks and sculptures.

Additional Facts:

Geographical Indication Tag:

• It 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.
• Recent GI Tags: Green and White Tea- Darjeeling, Srivilliputhur palkova – Tamil Nadu, Dindigul lock- Tamil Nadu, Kandangi saree- Tamil Nadu, Tirur Vettila- Kerala, Tawlhlohpuan – Mizoram, Mizo Puanchei – Mizoram, Palani panchamirtham- Tamil Nadu, Kandhamal Haldi – Odisha among others.