SRINAGAR: Rajmash, also known as red kidney beans, hailing from the regions of Bhaderwah, and Sulai honey from and Ramban Jammu and Kashmir, have secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
According to an official announcement made on Tuesday, three more products from the Union Territory are currently in the final stages of obtaining the GI tag.
The renowned Bhaderwah Rajmash, a variety of red kidney beans characterised by its smaller size and distinct texture, boasts a sweet and nutty flavor that adds a delightful touch to various culinary creations. This particular rajmash variety is cultivated as an intercrop alongside maize in the picturesque Chinta Valley of the Doda district.
On the other hand, Sulai honey stands out as a premium and exotic honey variety originating from the enchanting landscapes of Ramban. Revered for its exceptional taste worldwide, this honey is meticulously extracted from Sulai plants thriving in the Himalayan terrain of Ramban and Doda.
In recent months, the Union Territory celebrated the acquisition of GI tags for several other products. In March of this year, The Times of India the renowned Basohli painting of Kathua and Ladakh wood carving were honored with the coveted GI recognition. Furthermore, in August, the exceptional Chikri woodcraft from Rajouri and the cherished Mushqbudji rice from Anantnag district also secured their well-deserved GI tags.
NABARD’s general manager, as per The Times of India Anamika, elucidated the significance of Geographical Indication, stating, “GI is a form of intellectual property right that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical location and having a distinct nature, quality, and characteristics linked to that location.”
She further explained, “The process for the GI tagging of nine products was initiated by NABARD in collaboration with the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom and the Department of Agriculture in December 2020, amidst the challenging circumstances of the Covid pandemic.” Anamika emphasized, “After a protracted legal process, the GI tags have now been officially granted to these two products, bringing the total number of products with GI tags, supported by NABARD, to six in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.”
Anamika highlighted the advantages of GI tagging, noting, “With GI tagging, unauthorized use of these registered GI goods by third parties is prevented. This will not only enhance exports but also elevate the international recognition of these brands, ultimately contributing to the economic prosperity of producers and related stakeholders, including a significant contribution to the country’s GDP.”
