Nagri Dubraj rice gets Geographical Indication Tag

In News

• The Geographical Indication Registry granted Chhattisgarh’s aromatic rice, Nagri Dubraj, a geographical indication (GI) tag.
  • The Morena and Rewa Mango (both Madhya Pradesh) have also given the Tag.

About Nagri Dubraj Rice

• It is produced by a women’s self-help group. The women’s self-help group “Maa Durga Swasahayata Samuh ” of Nagri in Dhamtari district has been harvesting Dubraj.
• It is an indigenous variety and has small grains, is very soft to eat after cooking, and is known as the Basmati of Chhattisgarh because of its fragrance.

What is a GI Tag?

• GI or Geographical Indication Tag is used for products which have specific geographical origin or have qualities that can be attributed specifically to the region.
  • A GI is primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.
• The GI tags are issued as per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999. 
• It is a part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Benefits of Getting GI Tag

• It confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India
• Prevents unauthorised use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others.
• It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
• It promotes the economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.

Source: BS