'Kambam Angoor' gets GI tag

Tags: State News

The GI tag was granted to Tamil Nadu's famous Cumbum Paneer Thirachai, also known as Cumbum Grapes.

An Overview of the News

• The Cumbum Valley on the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu is known as the 'Grape City of South India', where Paneer Thirachai is cultivated.

• Theni district Paneer Thirachai is one of the highest grape growing regions. However, the 'Paneer' variety is mainly associated with the Cumbum Valley, where the area under cultivation is spread over about 2,000 acres in 10 villages.

• This variety, also known as Muscat Hamburg, is known for its rapid growth and early maturity.

• Paneer grapes were first introduced to Tamil Nadu in 1832 by a French priest. These grapes are rich in vitamins, tartaric acid and antioxidants, and they also help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases.

What is a GI Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or sign given to products that come from a specific geographical location.

• GIs certify that products have been made using traditional methods or have specific qualities due to their origin.

• It is used for food, handicrafts and industrial products.

• GI tag ensures that only authorised users can use the name of the product.

Who grants and regulates Geographical Indications?

• It is a type of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) recognized and protected under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

• The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) provides a framework for the protection of GIs at the international level.

• In India, the registration and protection of GI is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect in September 2003.

About Tamil Nadu

• The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.

• It is situated at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.

• Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of bananas and flowers, second largest producer of mangoes, rubber, groundnut, coconut and third largest producer of coffee.

Governor - Ravindra Narayan Ravi

Chief Minister - MK Stalin

Assembly seats - 235 seats

Rajya Sabha seats - 18

Lok Sabha seats - 39