Chhattisgarh's Nagri Dubraj rice variety gets geographical indication tag

Tags: State News

The Geographical Indications Registry has granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Nagari Dubraj, a fragrant rice from Chhattisgarh, to give a unique identity to the brand.

An overview of the news

• The Morena and Rewa Mango (both Madhya Pradesh) have also been given the GI Tag.

• This will give a new identity to these products in the national and international market.

About Nagri Dubraj Rice

• The origin of Dubraj is believed to be from Shringi Rishi Ashram area of Sihawa.

• Its reference is found in Valmiki Ramayana. Sihawa area is considered to be the source of Dubraj in various research papers.

• The rice is of local variety and its grains are small, the rice is very soft to eat after cooking.

• Maximum yield of six quintals is obtained from one acre.

• The height of the paddy plant is short and the maturity period is 140 days.

• It is produced by "Maa Durga Swashayata Group", a women's self-help group from Nagari in Dhamtari district and had applied for the GI tag.

What is a GI Tag?

• It is an abbreviation of Geographical Indication.

• It is an especial identity of any region, town or state.

• The tag is given in the name of certain products or signs which symbolize the uniqueness of that particular area.

• When a particular product is given a GI tag, it certifies that the product is made using traditional methods, has special properties.

• Geographical Indication came into force on 15 September 2003.

• Darjeeling tea was given the first GI tag in India in 2004-2005.

• GI tag is given to products related to agriculture, handicrafts, food items, spirit drinks and industrial products.

• India has more than 300 Geographical Indications as of now.

• The rules and regulations of the GI tag are governed by the World Trade Organization Agreement on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights at the international level.