The recent news highlighted five particular agricultural products from Kerala, namely Attappady Attukombu Avara, Attappady Thuvara, Onattukara Ellu, Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli, and Kodungalloor Pottuvellari. These products were awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status for their unique characteristics and inherent attributes linked to their geographic origin. In addition to these, the Gamosa from Assam, Alibag White Onion from Maharashtra, Ladakh Raktsey Karpo Apricot and Tandur Redgram from Telangana have also joined the list of GI tagged products.
Significance of the Awarded GIs
The Attappady Attukombu Avara is a type of bean which is bent similarly to a goat’s horn, as suggested by its name. Their high anthocyanin content, superior to other dolichos beans, provides them with a distinctive violet hue in their stem and fruits. This compound has beneficial properties against cardiovascular diseases and possesses antidiabetic properties. The product also contains high phenolic content, imparting resistance against pests and diseases, and makes it suitable for organic cultivation.
In contrast, the Attappady Thuvara, or Red Gram, is known for its larger seeds with white coats and higher seed weight compared to other red grams. Onattukara Ellu, a type of sesame, and its oil are noted for their unique health benefits due to relatively higher antioxidant content which aids in combating free radicals that harm body cells. It’s also heart-healthy thanks to its high unsaturated fat content.
Additional GI Honors: Garlic and Snapmelon Varieties
Kanthalloor-Vattavada Veluthulli, a variety of garlic, stands out from garlic grown in other areas due to its higher concentration of sulphides, flavonoids, proteins and essential oil. Particularly, it’s rich in allicin, a compound that is effective against microbial infections, cancer, and blood sugar issues.
The Kodungalloor Pottuvellari, or snapmelon, harvested during the summer season, is known to have a high Vitamin C content. When compared to other cucurbits, Kodungalloor Pottuvellari also boasts higher levels of calcium, magnesium, fiber, and fat.
Understanding Geographical Indications
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that originate from a specific geographical area and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. As an example, Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to acquire this GI. In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Banaras Brocades and Sarees and Tirupathi Laddu have already received GI tags, while Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma has not.
Geographical Indications and the World Trade Organisation
The World Trade Organisation recognises intellectual property rights under TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement. The Geographical indications (GIs) fall under this category of intellectual property. India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to adhere with the obligations to the WTO.