Recent GI registrations in India (From the East)

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign/mark allotted to an artefact or a commodity that originates in a particular region and has its own unique identity. A GI right empowers the bearer to restrict the indication from being used by any other person whose quality does not meet the required criteria. In India, Geographical Indication tags are governed under Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

In a significant stride towards preserving and promoting its rich cultural and agricultural heritage, the state of West Bengal in India has witnessed the recognition of five indigenous products with geographical indication (GI) tags. This recognition, bestowed by the Centre's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, highlights the unique qualities and origins of these products, offering them legal protection while also enhancing their market value and ensuring their authenticity. The department may issue an official letter to West Bengal State Council of Science and Technology in this regard soon.

The five goods that have been granted GI tags are Sundarbans' natural honey, Jalpaiguri's Kalo Nunia rice, and Murshidabad's Garad and Korial sarees, along with Tangail sarees of Nadia and East Burdwan. This recent addition to the list of GI-tagged products in West Bengal reflects the diverse cultural tapestry and rich agricultural landscape of the state.

Sundarbans Honey

Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. Among its treasures is the Sundarbans honey, locally known as Mouban, and referred to as the Pride of the Forest by the locals, which has now received the coveted GI tag. This natural honey is derived from the pristine forests of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, where approximately 2,000 residents, known as Mauli, sustain their livelihood through honey collection. Sourced primarily from the nectar of Sundarbans mangrove trees like Sundari,?Garan,?Khalisa,?and Geoa, it possesses a distinct woody aroma and flavour compared to lighter honeys. Sundarbans honey also has a unique,?dark caramelized brown colour due to the specific mangrove nectar it comes from. The recognition of Sundarbans honey not only celebrates the traditional knowledge and sustainable practices of the Mauli community but also promotes the conservation of this vital ecosystem.

Kalo Nunia Rice

Kalo Nunia rice, hailing from Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, has garnered attention for its exceptional quality and rarity. This indigenous rice variety, now protected under the GI tag, holds cultural and economic significance in the region. It is also known as Kalonunia or scented rice, is a variety of aromatic rice grown primarily in North Bengal, India. It is known for its distinctive black husk, which gives it its name (Kalo means "black" in Bengali). It has a nutty flavor and a unique aroma that is often described as being floral or pandan-like. The rice grains are small and slender, and they are non-glutinous, meaning that they do not stick together when cooked. Farmers cherish Kalo Nunia for its unique taste and nutritional value, with its market value ranging between Rs 100 and Rs 120 per kilogram. The GI recognition not only elevates the status of Kalo Nunia rice but also contributes to the preservation of traditional agricultural practices and the empowerment of local farming communities.

Murshidabad's Garad and Korial Sarees

The GI tag has also been conferred upon the renowned Garad and Korial sarees of Murshidabad district. Woven by skilled artisans in Mirjapur, Jiaganj, and Islampur, these sarees carry a legacy of craftsmanship and heritage. Both are crafted from pure,?high-quality Tussar silk,?known for its softness,?strength,?and subtle sheen. Primarily come in off-white or light shades like beige and cream,?symbolizing purity and elegance. Garad sarees are thinner and lighter fabric,?ideal for warmer climates whereas Korial sarees are lightly thicker, have a glossy finishing and more textured weave, offering added warmth and sophistication. Both require skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.?Weavers use traditional pit looms and a unique 'bala tana' technique,?creating a fine and even fabric. Reportedly, around 4,000 weavers of Garad and Korial at Mirjapur, Jiaganj and Islampur in Murshidabad district are jubilant over the news of receiving the GI tag.?

Tangail Sarees

Originating from Bangladesh, Tangail sarees have found a new home in the districts of Nadia and East Burdwan in West Bengal. These sarees, now bearing the prestigious GI tag, embody a shared cultural heritage and craftsmanship transcending borders. Traditionally made from fine cotton,?there sarees also incorporate the use silk or blends,?offering a comfortable and breathable drape. Tangail sarees are characterized by intricate geometric and floral patterns woven directly into the fabric using extra weft threads, creating a raised effect,?thereby adding depth and texture.

The history of Tangail sarees traces back to the weavers known as the Basak community who migrated from Bangladesh and settled in West Bengal. After receiving invitation and patronage from the zamindars (landlords) of Delduar, Santosh, and Gharinda areas of Tangail, these weavers relocated due to the scarcity of muslin and a search for more favourable climatic conditions. They adapted their traditional weaving techniques to create an exquisite saree which later came to be known as “Tangail saree”.

A total 504 items from different parts of the country have had the tag so far since 2004. With the addition of these five products to the list of GI-tagged items, West Bengal now boasts a total of 27 registered products inter alia Darjeeling tea, Malda’s ‘laxman bhog’ and ‘himsagar’ mangoes, ‘Joynagar moa’, Burdwan’s ‘sitabhog’ and ‘mihidana’, the Bengal variety of rasogolla, ‘gobindabhog’ rice, Bankura’s terracotta craft and Baluchari and Dhaniakhali sarees, showcasing the state's diverse cultural and agricultural heritage. Beyond the accolades and market benefits, GI recognition plays a crucial role in preserving traditional knowledge, protecting intellectual property rights, and empowering local communities. It reinforces the importance of sustainable practices, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment, paving the way for a brighter future rooted in heritage and tradition.

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