Why is it in the news?
- Over 15 products from Uttarakhand have been granted Geographical Indications (GI) tags by the Geographical Indications Registry.
About the Products
| Product | Description |
| Berinag Tea | Made from wild Himalayan plant leaves, compressed into a solid mass; popular among London tea houses. |
| Bichhu Buti Fabrics | Crafted from Himalayan nettle fibers, known for unique insulating properties suitable for all seasons. |
| Mandua (Finger Millet) | A staple in the state’s diet, finger millet grown in Garhwal and Kumaon regions. |
| Jhangora (Local Millet) | Another local millet commonly cultivated in the rain-fed areas of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. |
| Gahat | An important pulse with traditional medicinal uses, grown in dry regions of the state. |
| Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red Rice) | Organically grown red rice from the Purola region, known for its unique characteristics. |
| Kala Bhat (Black Soybean) | A specific variety of black soybean cultivated in Uttarakhand. |
| Malta Fruit | A type of citrus fruit with distinctive flavour and nutritional value. |
| Chaulai (Ramdana) | A grain used during fasting days, significant in religious and cultural practices. |
| Buransh Juice | Extracted from the red flowers of Rhododendron arboreum, known for its taste and medicinal properties. |
| Pahari Toor Dal | A variety of pigeon pea (toor dal) cultivated in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand. |
| Wood Carvings (Likhai) | Intricate wood carvings reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. |
| Nainital Mombatti (Candles) | Candles produced in the Nainital region, possibly featuring specific designs or scents. |
| Rangwali Pichhoda of Kumaon | Traditional fabric with colourful designs, representing Kumaon’s artistic heritage. |
| Ramnagar Nainital Litchis | Litchi fruits grown in the Ramnagar area of Nainital, known for their sweetness and flavour. |
| Ramgarh Nainital Peaches | Peaches cultivated in the Ramgarh region of Nainital, valued for their taste and quality. |
| Chamoli Wooden Ramman Masks | Wooden masks crafted in Chamoli, possibly used in traditional rituals and performances. |
| Almora Lakhori Mirchis (Chilli Variant) | A distinct variant of chili peppers grown in Almora, known for its unique flavour and spiciness. |
Geographical Indication (GI)
- It is a distinctive indication used to designate goods with unique qualities originating from a specific geographical area.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, is enacted to facilitate the registration and enhanced protection of such geographical indications associated with products in India.
- This legal framework safeguards the reputation and authenticity of region-specific goods, promoting their cultural and economic significance.
