Report by Aryaa Sinha
Bihar’s Mithila Makhaanaa (fox nut) has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Union Government.
This is the fifth agricultural product from Bihar which has received the GI tag.
The previous products were: Bhagalpur’s Jardalu Mango, Katarni Dhaan (rice), Nevada’s Maghai Paan and Muzaffarpur’s Shahi Litchi.
Madhubani Painting and Pipli Work (handicraft item) and Silao Khaja (a delicacy) from Bihar have also got the GI tag.
Darjeeling Tea was the first product from India to be awarded this tag.
What is Mithila Makhana?
Mithila Makhana or Makhana is a distinctive variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. This variety is rich in protein, fibre, and several micronutrients. It is an auspicious ingredient in the offerings to God during festivals. The Maithili Brahmin community widely uses and distributes Makhana during the Kojagara Puja festival (celebrated for newly married couples).
What is a GI Tag?
According to World International Property Organization or WIPO, a Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a status that are due to the product’s origin.
Once the GI tag is obtained, that product can usually get a higher price because of its exclusivity.
Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
As many as 400 products in India have received the GI tag so far.
In India, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have the most number of GI tags.
How is a product given a GI tag?
Any association of persons, producers, organisation, or authority established by or under the law seeking to apply for obtaining a registration of GI products have to undergo a thorough process in India including filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and finally, registration.
With this move, foxnut farmers will get the maximum price for their premium produce.
Over 5 lakh farmers of Mithila region of Bihar will be benefited through this decision.
