GI tag to Mithila Makhana

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

The government has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana, a move which is expected to help growers get the maximum price for their premium produce.

• “Mithila Makhana registered with GI Tag, farmers will get profit and it will be easier to earn. 
• Mithila Makhana or Makhan is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal.
• The GI registry certificate, it is certified that the GI has been registered in the name of Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh.

GI Tag

• 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 to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.
• A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.
• Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.
• There is a proper process of registration of GI products which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.
• Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can apply. The applicant must represent the interest of the producers. It is a legal right under which the GI holder can prohibit others from using the same name.
• 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.