PANAJI:
Goa has further expanded its portfolio of Geographical Indication (GI) products with five unique agricultural items receiving formal GI registration, marking a significant step towards preserving the State’s traditional crops and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
The newly accorded GI tags are for Goa Cashew Apple, Mussarad Mango, Maang“Hilario Mango, Khorgut Rice and Taleigao Brinjal. Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant announced the development, stating that the recognition celebrates Goa’s rich agricultural heritage and traditional wisdom while reinforcing the State government’s Swayampurna Goa Mission.
The Goa Cashew Apple is widely known for its role in traditional Feni production and local cuisine. In recent years, it has gained wider attention as a distinctive fruit valued for its unique flavour and fermentation qualities.
The Mussarad and Maang“Hilario mango varieties, earlier cultivated and known largely within select farming communities, have seen renewed interest for their aromatic properties and distinctive taste.
Khorgut Rice, an heirloom paddy variety traditionally grown in the low-lying Khazan lands, is prized for its salt tolerance and resilience in coastal agro-ecological conditions.
Taleigao Brinjal, cultivated for generations in the village after which it is named, is known for its texture, mild sweetness and suitability for a variety of local dishes, earning it popularity beyond its place of origin.
The Chief Minister said the GI tags would empower farmers, preserve indigenous varieties, enhance market recognition and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities across rural Goa.
“By protecting Goa’s unique produce and boosting value addition, these GI recognitions will play an important role in economic development, agri-entrepreneurship and rural prosperity, while proudly showcasing Goa’s identity to the world,” Sawant said.
Earlier, the State had already secured GI recognition for ten products, including Goan Khajem, Goan Bebinca and Goa Cashew Kernel, among others.
