MARGAO
Now, the Goan toddy tappers, under the banner of the Toddy Tappers Association, will take up the proposal to obtain a GI tag for coconut feni, and coconut products such as Jaggery and vinegar.
The department of Science and Technology and the Toddy Tappers Association had proposed obtaining a GI tag for Goan coconut feni some time ago.
Unfortunately, the proposal did not move forward, resulting in the failure to obtain the GI tag for coconut feni.
The newly-elected president of the Toddy Tappers Association, Francis Fernandes, told the media after a meeting of the Association that a resolution has been adopted to pursue the application for a GI tag for coconut feni.
“We will find out from the Department of Science and Technology the status of the application made for a GI tag for coconut feni. We will determine whether we need to submit a fresh application or seek modification or restoration of the previous application,” he said.
Fernandes further said that the Association will also address the matter of obtaining a GI tag for jaggery and vinegar, two coconut products.
“Coconut Feni has a history of over 400 years. A delegation of the Toddy Tappers would soon call on the department of Science and Technology to ascertain the status of the application for a GI tag,” he said.
Reminding that coconut is a state tree declared by the government, the Association president said the Goa government should support the application for a GI tag for coconut feni, as well as for coconut jaggery and vinegar.
“Since Coconut is a state tree, it is the duty and responsibility of everyone, including the government, to protect and preserve the coconut tree. If the government extends support, we can plant the coconut tree across the state,” he said.
Saying that the Association has also deliberated on the issue of caste certificates, Francisco pointed out that the meeting has resolved to make it mandatory to seek affidavits from the applicants applying for OBC caste certificates.
“It has been decided that the affidavit will contain clauses stating that the applicant will be liable for punishment and a fine for swearing a false affidavit. The affidavit will further contain a clause regarding whether the caste certificate will be withdrawn after an inquiry if the certificate is obtained through the misrepresentation of facts,” he added.
