West Bengal Secures GI Tags for Diverse Products, Boosting Regional Economies

West Bengal has successfully acquired Geographical Indication (GI) tags for various products through the National GI Drive Mission. This strategic move aims to safeguard the unique identity and quality of regional products.

Following are the list of products which has been secured GI tags;

1. Recognition of Sunderbans Honey – ‘Mouban’: The sought-after GI tag has been conferred upon Sunderbans honey, locally known as ‘Mouban,’ harvested by the ‘Mouli’ community.

• This acknowledgment not only preserves the authenticity of the honey but also provides a crucial economic uplift for the livelihoods of those residing in the Sunderbans.

2. Black Nunia Rice – ‘Prince of Rice’: Originating from Jalpaiguri district, Black Nunia rice, recognized as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ has secured its GI tag.

• This indigenous rice variety adds to the agricultural richness of the state.

3. Distinctive Sarees – Tangail, Gorod, and Kadiyal: The West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL) applied for the GI tag for Tangail, Gorod, and Kadiyal sarees, reflecting the rich textile heritage of the region.

• Mirzapur in Murshidabad district is renowned for producing exclusive Kadiyal sarees.

As part of the GI protection initiative, these products now benefit from legal recognition and protection against unauthorized use, ensuring the economic prosperity of local communities and the preservation of West Bengal’s diverse cultural and agricultural legacy.

Some important questions on this news for competitive examinations

1. Q: What is the significance of West Bengal securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for various products?

A: West Bengal’s acquisition of GI tags aims to protect the unique identity and quality of regional products while boosting local economies.

2. Q: Which community is credited with the acknowledgment of the GI tag for Sunderbans honey, known as ‘Mouban’?

A: The ‘Mouli’ community is recognized for their collection of Sunderbans honey, locally known as ‘Mouban.’

3. Q: What is the distinctive feature of Black Nunia Rice, which recently earned a GI tag in West Bengal? A: Black Nunia Rice, hailed as the ‘Prince of Rice,‘ is a unique indigenous rice variety contributing to the agricultural richness of the state.

4. Q: Which sarees from West Bengal have obtained Geographical Indication (GI) tags, reflecting the region’s rich textile heritage?

A: Tangail, Gorod, and Kadiyal sarees, applied for by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL), have secured GI tags, showcasing the state’s diverse textile heritage.

5. Q: How does the GI protection initiative benefit the recognized products in West Bengal?

A: The GI protection initiative ensures legal recognition and protection against unauthorized use, fostering economic prosperity for local communities and preserving West Bengal’s cultural and agricultural legacy.

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