Kathia Gehu of Bundelkhand received the first GI tag for agricultural produce

Tags: State News

Kathiya Gehu, an indigenous wheat variety from the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, the first such recognition for an agricultural produce in the region.

An Overview of the News

Certification Process:

• Application for GI certification filed by Kathiya Gehu Bangra Producer Company Limited in January 2022 with the support of NABARD and technical guidance of Padma Shri Rajnikant Rai.

• After a two-year process, the GI tag was issued with certificate number 585 on 30 March 2024.

Importance of GI Tag:

• An important achievement for the Bundelkhand region is to have the first GI tag for any agricultural produce in the region.

• The GI tag will promote Kathiya Gehu as an indigenous brand of wheat, known for its protein richness and ability to thrive with minimal irrigation.

Features of Kathiya Gehu:

• Kathiya Gehu, also known as durum wheat, is prevalent in this region.

• Nutrition-rich and gluten-free, making it a healthy option.

• Adaptable to harsh climatic conditions and requires minimum water for cultivation.

Impact on farmers:

• Confirmation of GI tag will increase the brand value of Kathia wheat, which will benefit the farmers of the area.

• The collaboration between RLBCAU and ICARDA aims to research and develop improved seed varieties for improving Kathiya wheat production.