Govt awards GI tag to Mithila Makhana to boost farmers’ income

• The Central government has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana. With this move, growers will get the maximum price for their premium produce. Over five lakh farmers of Mithila region of Bihar will be benefitted from this decision.
• Makhana” is one of the choicest aquatic cash fruit crops of 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 word “Makhana” comes from the Sanskrit word for grain Mak. Mak is the meaning of sacrifice.
• 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.
• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, Mithila Makhana registered with GI Tag, farmers will get profit and it will be easier to earn. Due to Geographical Indication Tag to Mithila Makhana in the festive season, people outside Bihar will be able to use this auspicious material with reverence.
• 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.

About Geographical Indication (GI)

• It is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to its special quality or reputed attributes.
• It is a mark of authenticity and ensures that registered authorized users or at least those residing inside the geographic territory are allowed to use the popular product names.
• GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).