PANAJI
Goa’s Mancurad mango, Bebinca, Agassaim brinjal, and the seven-sided okra (saat-shiro bhendo) have bagged the coveted Geographical Indications (GI) tag. With these, the coastal State has now got GI tag for a total nine items while Goan Cashew (nut and apple) is awaiting nod from the GI Registry, Chennai.
State has also prepared list of 15 more items including Fish Curry, Mix Pav Bhaji, Coconut Feni, Khatkhate (Mix Vegetable Stew), Bangdyachi Uddamethi (mackerel curry), Goan sausages, Kunbi saree, Korgut rice for the GI tag. The proposal would be sent shortly to the Registry.
Speaking to The Goan, Director Science and Technology Levinson Martins said that the Goa’s Mancurad mango, Bebinca, Agassaim brinjal, and the seven-sided okra have got the GI tag as no objections were received by the GI Registry against the four items. “Hence it is deemed as registered and a GI certificate will be issued shortly,” he said.
He said that the Department of Science and Technology is appointed as the Nodal Department to undertake GI registrations, for various Goan items/ produce such as agricultural, handicrafts, food items and handloom. The Goa State Council for Science and Technology works as facilitator for the said work.
Martins said that the proposals were sent by the department along with the producers associations of the said item like All Goa Baker’s and Confectionery Association, All Goa Mango Growers Association and Agassaim Brinjal producers association.
In the past, State’s popular Moira Banana, Harmal Chillies, Feni, Khola Chillies and Khajem had received the GI tag.
Martin said that the department has prepared a list of 15 more items, mostly cooked items, for GI tag. He said that the process is currently on to submit the proposal.
