the goan I network
PANAJI
After Goa’s famed alcoholic beverage feni, ‘red chillies’ from Khola, Canacona which have distinct spicy taste and quality have been granted geographical indication (GI) tag which gives local producers exclusive brand protection rights.
Science, Technology and Environment Minister Michael Lobo gave this information showing the approval received from geographical indication registry office, under the jurisdiction of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trade Marks. Geographical indication is an indication which identifies a product as originating from a particular geographical area, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is attributable to its geographical origin. “It will help the farmers from Cancona. They will have packaging rights and lot of people will have faith in their product”, said Michael Lobo. The agriculture yield will increase, youths will be encouraged for farming and our products will get good market outside Goa, he added.
Minister also informed that there are efforts made for getting geographical indication tag for coconut vinegar, Harmal chillies, Goan khaje, madoli Banana, mancurad mangoes, cashew nuts, bebinca, Goan local rice as the application files has been moved for obtaining geographical indication tag.
He also added that further efforts will be made to getting geographical indication tag for brinjal varieties from Agassaim and Taleigao. The GI tag has been awarded to a number of products or goods, including the famous Darjeeling tea and Madhubani paintings.
