GI tags for 4 new products from 3 states

The government on Friday allotted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to four new products from the states of Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Kerala.

GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess the qualities or reputation that are due to that origin. The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recently registered GIs for c, Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puanchei from Mizoram and and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala, a government statement said on Friday.

Palani Panchamirtham, a ‘prasadam’ or religious offering in temples has been allotted a GI, in a first. Tawlhlohpuan, is a fine quality fabric woven in Mizoram, while Mizo Puanchei, essentially a shawl, is considered the most colourful textile in the northeastern state. Tirur betel vine, cultivated in Malappuram district of Kerala, is valued for its medicinal and cultural usages.
“GI products can benefit the rural economy in remote areas, by supplementing the incomes of artisans, farmers, weavers and craftsmen. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is actively involved in promotion and marketing of GIs,” the press statement said.
Recently, a long-drawn tussle between West Bengal and Odisha was resolved after latter secured a GI tag for its own variant of rasgulla.