The Geographical Indication's Registry (based in Chennai) has approved geographical indication (GI) tagging of the Gir Kesar and the Bhalia wheat, thus leading to the global recognition of the two world-class varieties of mangoes and wheat respectively. At the beginning of May 2011, H J Vyas, Director Research, Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU), said, "The University has filed Geographical Indication (GI) application for the mango variety grown here to find global recognition as Gir Kesar Mango." The JAU and Gujarat Agro-Industries applied for the tagging for the benefit of the Junagadh farmers, who will now be able to reap the consequences of added value to the special variety of mango. It was mainly initiated since many other varieties of Kesar mangoes were being sold as Gir Kesar mangoes. But after the approval, the mango grown in the 18 talukas around the Gir wildlife sanctuary can be termed as the Gir Kesar mango, not the ones grown in the Junagadh or the Amreli districts. Notwithstanding, the mangoes from these or other parts around can be termed as Kesar.
After the approval, Gir Kesar is the second mango type to acquire the GI tag, following the Dussheri of Uttar Pradesh. Now, following the GI tagging, anyone found guilty of selling any other type of mango as a Gir Kesar mango can be fined heavily, up to Rs. 1 lakh, along with jail term of up to two years, according to the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The famous saffron-coloured Kesar variety of mango, largely grown around foothills of Girnar mountains in Gujarat's Junagadh district, has got global recognition as 'Gir Kesar' mango after being granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Kesar mango is the second variety of mango in India to get GI registration after the Dussheri mango variety grown in Uttar Pradesh. "GI registration will help the farmers of Junagadh and Amreli district immensely. From now onwards, no other Kesar mango variety, grown in other parts of Gujarat like Kutch, Valsad...can be sold as 'Gir Kesar' mango," Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU) Vice Chancellor N C Patel said. After the GI registration, mango growers in 18 talukas of Junagadh and Amreli districts, located on the periphery of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, will be able to reap the benefits of added value attached to their produce, a JAU officials said. Nearly 20,000 hectares of area is under mango cultivation in both these districts and close to two lakh tonnes of production per annum is estimated, they added. Bhalia wheat
Bhalia wheat has got the GI tag now. This is grown in the Bhal region of Gujarat, southern Ahmedabad district 10 kms radius from the location. This type of wheat is grown without irrigation, tastes sweet and is composed of high protein ingredient. After the registration, only the farmers in the Bhal region along the Bhavnagar and Ahmadabad districts will be able to use the tag of Bhalia wheat. This should be monetarily beneficial for the poor farmer growing these types of mangoes and wheat, affecting the total mango and wheat market as a whole.
Bhalia wheat has got the GI tag now. This is grown in the Bhal region of Gujarat, southern Ahmedabad district 10 kms radius from the location. This type of wheat is grown without irrigation, tastes sweet and is composed of high protein ingredient. After the registration, only the farmers in the Bhal region along the Bhavnagar and Ahmadabad districts will be able to use the tag of Bhalia wheat. This should be monetarily beneficial for the poor farmer growing these types of mangoes and wheat, affecting the total mango and wheat market as a whole.
Introduction of GI
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g. a town, region, or country). The use of a GI may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin.
