Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

About Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Key facts about new GI Tagged products

• Kapdaganda Shawl
  • It is woven and embroidered by the women of the Dongria Kondh tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.
  • The shawl reflects the rich tribal heritage of the Dongria Kondhs.
  • The shawl is worn by both men and women and the Dongrias gift it to their family members as a token of love and affection.
• Lanjia Saurpa Painting
  • It is one of the oldest tribal art forms, is also known as Idital.
  • The artworks are famous for their beauty, aesthetics, ritualistic association and iconography.
  • It belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district. These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes.
• Koraput Kala Jeera Rice
  • The black-coloured rice variety, also known as the ‘Prince of Rice’, is famous for its aroma, taste, texture and nutritional value.
  • As the rice grains resemble cumin seeds, it is also called Kala Jeera.
  • Its consumption helps in increasing haemoglobin levels and improves metabolism in the body.
• Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
  • It is known for its prickly thorns on the stems and the whole plant.
  • The green and round fruits contain more seeds as compared to other genotypes.
  • It is famous for its unique taste and relatively short quick cooking time.
  • The plants are resistant to major insects and can be grown with minimal pesticide.
• Odisha Khajuri Guda (Jaggery)
  • It is a natural sweetener extracted from date palm trees and has its origin in the Gajapati district.
  • Traditionally, the jaggery is prepared in a trapezoidal form called ‘Patali Gur’ and is organic by nature. It is dark brown and has a unique taste.
• Dhenkanal Magji
  • It is a type of sweet made from cheese from buffalo milk, with distinct characteristics in terms of appearance, taste, flavour, shape, and size.
  • It also has unique nutritional values that distinguish it from other cheese-brd sweets.

Q1) Who is Dongria kondh?

The Dongria kondh is a primitive subgroup of kondhs. They are a particularly vulnerable tribal group residing mostly in Trilochanpur gram panchayat under Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi. The economy and livelihood of Dongria kondh is dependent on collection of NTFP and podu cultivation. They are traditionally horticulturists. 

Source: From red ant chutney to black rice, the 7 Odisha products that have bagged GI tags