Chokuwa rice, popularly known as “magic rice”, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.The GI tag recognizes its exceptional qualities and heritage.Chokuwa rice is closely linked to the history of Assam and has a historical connection with the Ahom dynasty.This variety of rice is specially cultivated in the Brahmaputra river region.Cultivation areas include Tinsukia, Dhemaji, and Dibrugarh in Assam.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
- Geographical Indication (GI) is a label given to products from a specific geographical area.
- GIs confirm that products have unique properties or have been produced using traditional methods because of their geographical origin.
- Applicable to various products such as food, handicrafts, and industrial goods.
- GI tags ensure that only authorized producers can use the product name.
Who awards and regulates geographical indications
- Geographical indications are a form of intellectual property rights (IPR) protected under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) establishes an international framework for GI protection.
- In India, GI registration and protection of goods is governed by the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- This act came into effect in September 2003.