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Source: The post is based on the article “Govt awards GI tag to Mithila Makhana for ‘farmer’s profit’” published in Indian Express on 21st August 2022.
What is the News?
The Government of India has awarded the Geographical Indication(GI) tag to Mithila Makhana.
What is Mithila Makhana?
Makhana is a special variety of aquatic cash fruit crops cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar. In Mithila culture of Bihar, Makhana is known as Makhaan in Maithili.
It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the God and Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence.
The geographical area of production of “Mithila Makhana” takes place in 21 out of 38 districts, mostly situated in the North of the Bihar state.
Its major regions include Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Begusarai, Madhubani, Katihar among many others.
What is a GI Tag?
A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.
Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection for that item, prevention against unauthorized use by others and promotion of exports.
The famous goods which carry this tag include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.
