Latest news with #Indication
New Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- New Indian Express
GI tag demand for Deogarh Kala Muga gains momentum
DEOGARH: Once confined to traditional kitchens and rituals, a local pulse variety of Deogarh is witnessing a welcome resurgence. The 'Deogarh Kala Muga' - a distinctive whole black gram indigenous to the district - is now drawing increased attention from both farmers and food enthusiasts, prompting calls for greater recognition and protection, possibly through a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Known for its dark hue and earthy aroma, Deogarh Kala Muga is a local variety of black gram that has been cultivated in the region since ages. Despite its resemblance to the common green gram, the Kala Muga's jet-black seeds and unique flavour, especially the aroma, set it apart from other varieties. Traditionally grown in the rabi season, the pulse is now being cultivated across all three blocks of Deogarh, Barkote, Tileibani and Reamal, particularly in rice fallow lands that otherwise remain unused after the kharif harvest. Originating from Kundapitha area of Barkote and Subarnapali in Tileibani, Deogarh Kala Muga has gradually spread throughout the district. Its popularity is rooted not only in its agronomic benefits - resistance to pests and diseases, short crop duration of 75-80 days, and productivity ranging from 2.5 to 4.6 quintal per hectare, but also deep cultural significance. Subject matter specialist, Agronomy at Deogarh Krishi Vigyan Kendra Sabyasachi Sahoo said Kala Muga is naturally resistant to pests and diseases, requires less water and is well-suited for rice fallow lands. It also sells at an additional Rs 20 to Rs 30 compared to other grams which is why its cultivation has steadily expanded across the district.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu seeks GI tags for five agricultural products to boost farmer benefits
The Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board (TNSAMB) has sought Geographical Indication (GI) tag for five agricultural products, a move that is expected to benefit farmers involved in their production in the long run. As per the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2025-26, a total of ₹15 lakh will be allocated to obtain GI for the five products — Nallur Varagu, a variety of millet (Cuddalore); Vedharanyam Mullai, (Nagapattinam); Natham Puli, (Dindigul); Ayakudi Koyya (Dindigul), and Kappalpatti Karumbu Murungai (Dindigul). Prior to filing the application for these products, extensive research and back-end analysis were conducted by the Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum, an initiative supported by NABARD and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). A senior official from the TNSAMB said that farmers have been benefiting from the GI tags. The Nallur Varagu is cultivated in the Nallur region of Kurinjipadi Taluk in Cuddalore. Traditionally, elders in villages recommend this for convalescents and children due to its bone-strengthening as well as blood-sugar-regulating properties. This millet variety is sown during July and August, and harvested between October and November. The crop matures in 90 to 100 days, with yields ranging from 800 to 1,200 kg/ha under rain-fed conditions, and up to 1,400 kg/ha with improved agronomic practices and inter-cropping. The plant grows up to 120 cm tall, bearing slender green leaves and compact seed heads. Vedharanyam Mullai, is a culturally significant jasmine cultivated in the coastal region of Vedharanyam in Nagapattinam. The flowers are highly valued for their intense natural fragrance, long shelf life, and remarkable ability to retain freshness and scent for up to 24 hours after harvesting. Cultivated commercially from February to September, with peak blooming from April to July, the flowers are harvested before dawn to preserve maximum freshness. Ayakudi Guava, locally known as Ayakudi Koyya Pazham, is cultivated in the village of Ayakudi near Palani in Dindigul. It is grown in red loamy and sandy loam soils, which are well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The Natham Tamarind which comes from Natham Taluk in Dindigul has thick pulp, low fibre and seed content, high tartaric acid concentration, (ranging between 8–14%), and natural long shelf life. The last product, Kappalpatti Karumbu Murungai is well known for its exceptionally long, thick, and tender pods that resemble sugarcane. Cultivated over 3,500 to 5,000 acres, the crop has a short duration of 90–100 days, typically sown in September-October and harvested by December–January. A second crop cycle is occasionally grown with irrigation. Each acre yields 20–28 bundles, each weighing 50–65 kg.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Goan feni is GI-tagged: A milestone for this homegrown spirit
Goa has achieved a milestone moment as Ozzo Feni, produced by Cazcar Distillery in Nanora village near Panaji, has become the first-ever feni to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India. This means that feni is now recognised for its unique preparation in a specific geographical location (Goa, in this case) and protects it from other imitations and increases its marketability factors both domestically and internationally. Feni is a traditional Indian spirit, well-known in Goa, made from the fermentation and double distillation of either cashew apples or coconut sap. It's a strong, clear liquor with a unique flavour profile and a history spanning centuries. Feni was introduced to India by the Portuguese missionaries in the 1600s when they came to trade. They brought with them cashew plant trees and also the method of distillation, which was then passed on to the locals. The people who made feni were called bhatikars, who used earthen pots or bhatis under a fire. Today, copper pots under the coil method are used to make Feni. The juice is fermented naturally for 72 hours, and then distilled twice. Receiving the GI tag means that feni is now recognised globally and placed at a status comparable to Scotch in Scotland or Champagne in France. The brand, which makes it strictly adheres to all the regulations of GI certification, sources the cashew apples from Goa, and all utensils used are stainless steel, copper or glass. The condensation of feni takes place in earthen mud clays called launi. Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to get a GI tag in 2004 and is known for its special aroma and light taste. Alphonso mangoes from Maharashtra, famous for their sweet and rich flavour, were awarded the GI tag in 2018. Bikaneri Bhujia, a crispy and spicy snack from Bikaner, Rajasthan, received its GI tag in 2008. Other GI-tagged foods include Kashmiri saffron, prized for its deep colour and strong aroma, which was granted the GI tag in 2020. Manipuri black rice, known for its rich nutrients and beautiful purple colour, earned its GI status in 2020.
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
TTD takes legal action to protect Tirupati laddu's GI status
Tirupati: To protect the sanctity and intellectual property of the sacred Tirupati Laddu, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated legal proceedings against several unauthorised sellers and promoters found misusing the 'Tirupati Laddu' name. These actions come in response to violations of the laddu's registered Geographical Indication (GI) status. Legal notices, issued through Sahadeva Law Chambers, were sent to multiple online platforms and vendors, including PushMyCart (Mahita LLC) and Transact Foods Limited. These entities were accused of commercially exploiting the Tirupati Laddu name and falsely associating their products with the temple. The notices underscored that the Tirupati Laddu is a GI-protected item under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Its preparation is carried out solely within the premises of the Tirumala temple, strictly under the supervision of the TTD and in adherence to a long-standing, sacred tradition. TTD argued that unauthorised use of the name not only infringes on its legal rights but also diminishes the spiritual sanctity of the offering. Following the issuance of the notices, PushMyCart acknowledged receipt and, in a gesture of goodwill, removed the infringing product listings while awaiting legal review. Several other vendors have similarly taken down their listings after TTD's firm intervention. Commenting on the development, the Executive Officer of TTD J Syamala Rao stated that the Tirupati Laddu is not merely a product but a holy prasadam carrying deep spiritual and cultural importance. He affirmed TTD's commitment to pursuing all necessary legal measures to prevent misuse and to uphold the trust of millions of devotees around the world. This legal action represents one of the first instances in India where a GI-protected temple offering has been defended through formal legal channels on international platforms. TTD continues to actively monitor for such violations and is resolute in preserving the authenticity and sanctity of its temple traditions.
India Gazette
06-06-2025
- India Gazette
TTD cracks down on unauthorised use of Tirupati Laddu GI Tag: Legal notices issued, offenders suspend listings
Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh) [India], June 6 (ANI): In a decisive move to safeguard the sanctity and intellectual property of the sacred Tirupati Laddu, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has initiated legal action against multiple unauthorized entities found selling or promoting products under the 'Tirupati Laddu' name in violation of its registered Geographical Indication (GI), TDP said in a press release. Legal notices were served through Sahadeva Law Chambers to several online platforms and vendors, including PushMyCart (Mahita LLC) and Transact Foods Limited, for unauthorised commercial exploitation of the Tirupati Laddu name and falsely associating their offerings with the temple. The legal notices highlighted that Tirupati Laddu is a protected GI under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The preparation of the laddu is done exclusively within the Tirumala temple under the supervision of TTD, following a time-honoured and sanctified process. Unauthorised use and sale of the name not only infringes legal rights but also undermines the spiritual sanctity of the offering. In response, PushMyCart acknowledged receipt of the legal notice and, showing goodwill, suspended the infringing product listings pending legal review. Several other vendors have also taken down their listings following TTD's proactive outreach. TTD EO stated, 'The Tirupati Laddu is not just a product, but a sacred prasadam with deep spiritual and cultural value. We are committed to taking all necessary legal steps to prevent its misuse and to protect the trust of crores of devotees worldwide.' This is among the first instances in India where a temple offering protected under the GI law has been defended through formal legal channels on international platforms. TTD continues to monitor and act against any such violations to preserve the authenticity and sanctity of temple traditions. Earlier in February 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested four individuals and sent them to judicial remand in connection with the adulteration of ghee used in the Tirumala Srivari Laddu, the agency reported finding 'severe lapses' in the e-tendering process of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The CBI, acting on orders from the Supreme Court, had formed an SIT to investigate the matter. The remand report confirmed adulteration in the ghee supplied, and according to the investigating agency, AR Dairy, Vaishnavi Dairy, and Bhole Baba Dairy were involved in the case. (ANI)
