PANAJI
While the State Government has expressed interest in promoting Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items from Goa, it is yet to put in place a mechanism to track the production, processing and export of these items.
Replying to an unstarred question tabled by GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai, Minister for Industries, Trade and Commerce Mauvin Godinho stated that while efforts are underway to encourage producers to use the GI tag, monitoring systems for tracking quantities have not yet been implemented.
“The State government is working on encouraging GI producers to use GI tag and once initiated, required monitoring will be done for keeping a record of the quantity manufactured, processed and exported,” he said.
Goa currently boasts 10 registered GI tagged items -- Feni, Khola Chilli, Harmal Mirchi, Myndoli Banana, Goan Khaje, Goa Mankurad Mango (Malcorado or Mankur), Agsechi Vayingim (Agassaim Brinjal), Goa Cashew (Kaju or Caju), Sat-Shiro Bheno (Sat-Shirancho Bhendo), and Goan Bebinca.
Godinho further revealed that the government is developing guidelines for using the GI tag for Goa cashew kernels in the form of Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).
So also, an assessment is being made to determine whether an independent GI policy for the State is necessary, or if the existing framework can be adapted.
To another question, the minister conceded that no existing schemes have yet been reviewed to include GI tag items for manufacturing and promoting Goan GI items. “….shortly State government will review existing schemes to include GI tag items,” he stated.
Godinho maintained the government's commitment to promoting Goan GI-tagged items stating “government is very much interested to promote Goan GI tagged items” and efforts include facilitating the registration of genuine producers as "Authorised Users," supporting their participation in national and state-level trade exhibitions and offering capacity-building programs in packaging, labelling, and branding.
The government's committee, chaired by the Director of the Department of Science, Technology & Waste Management, has held two meetings and prepared draft SOPs for the Goa cashew kernel, which will be finalized soon.
