Why is it in the News?

The recent addition of Ajrakh from Kutch to the list of GI-tagged fabrics is a proud moment for India's rich textile heritage.

What is Ajrakh?

• The Ajrakh fabric is a traditional hand-block printing technique that originated in Kutch, Gujarat.
• It uses natural dyes and intricate patterns to create beautiful textiles, which are then used to make sarees, dupattas, stoles, and other garments.
• The unique feature of Ajrakh is its use of geometric patterns and rich earthy colours like indigo, madder, and mustard.
• This fabric has been an integral part of the Kutchi culture for centuries and has now gained recognition on a global level with its GI tag.

What is a GI tag?

• The GI tag is a certification that identifies a product as originating from a specific geographical location and possessing unique qualities due to that region's traditional knowledge and expertise.
• It not only adds value to the product but also protects it from imitation or misuse.
  • Ajrakh's GI tag was granted by the Geographical Indications Registry after a long process of documentation and verification of its origin and production techniques.

Some other Indian textiles have received similar recognition.

• Banarasi Silk: The luxurious Banarasi silk sarees from Varanasi have been coveted by women all over the world for their exquisite designs and fine quality.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its uniqueness in design, weaving technique, and use of pure silk and zari.
  • The intricate designs of Banarasi silk sarees, inspired by Mughal and Persian art, make them stand out in the sea of Indian textiles.
• Chanderi Fabric: Chanderi, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its delicate and lightweight fabric.
  • Chanderi sarees and suits are made from a combination of cotton and silk, giving them a sheer and lustrous appearance.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its traditional handloom weaving technique, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • The motifs used in Chanderi fabrics are inspired by nature and are intricately woven using golden zari.
• Kanjeevaram Silk: The Kanjeevaram sarees from Tamil Nadu are famous for their vibrant colours, fine silk, and intricate zari work.
  • This fabric has been granted a GI tag for its traditional weaving technique that uses three shuttles to weave the body, border, and pallu of the saree separately and then join them together.
  • The rich gold zari work on Kanjeevaram sarees makes them a must-have in every Indian woman's wardrobe.
• Kota Doria: One of the many varieties of sari clothing produced in Muhammadabad Gohna, Mau in Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding area, as well as in Kota, Rajasthan, is kota doria.
  • Pure cotton and silk are used to make sarees, which are adorned with square-like designs called khats.
  • Since these sarees were woven in Mysore, they were originally known as Masuria.
  • The GI tag was given to Kota Doria in July 2005. Kota Doria cotton sarees are regarded as the lightest in India because of their transparency and low weight.
• Odisha Ikat: One type of ikat, which is a resist dyeing method, comes from Odisha and is called Orissa Ikat.
  • It is sometimes referred to as "Bandha of Orissa" and has been an Orissan product since 2007.
  • To produce the design on the loom before weaving, the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed.

Why is it in the News

Seven products from Odisha, ranging from the Similipal Kai chutney made with red weaver ants to the embroidered Kapdaganda shawl, have bagged the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in recognition of their exclusivity to the state.

What is Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

• Geographical Indications of goods refer to the place of origin of a product.
• Such tags are accorded as they convey an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, attributable to the fact of its origin in a specific geographical locality, region or country.
• In India, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, awards GIs.
• A GI registration is given to an area, not a trader, but once a product gets the registration, traders dealing in the product can apply to sell it with the GI logo.
• Authorised traders are each assigned a unique GI number.
• If any unauthorised trader tries selling the product under that name, they can be prosecuted under The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• A marker of authentic products, the GI tags also help protect the interests of the local growers and artisans by preventing duplicity of the products and sale from unauthorised traders.
• Consumers, through the tags, can know which goods are certified.

The Seven Products and Their Distinctiveness:

• Kapdaganda shawl: Woven and embroidered by the women of the Dongria Kondh tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in the Niyamgiri hills in Odisha’s Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, the shawl reflects the rich tribal heritage of the Dongria Kondhs.
  • It is embroidered on an off-white coarse cloth with red, yellow and green coloured threads, with each colour holding significance.
    • Green symbolises the mountains and hills, and yellow stands for peace and happiness.
    • Red stands as the symbol of blood.
  • The motifs in the shawls are mostly lines and triangles, believed to be a reflection of the importance of mountains for the community.
  • The shawl is worn by both men and women and the Dongrias gift it to their family members as a token of love and affection.
• Lanjia Saura Painting: The painting is also known as Idital. The artworks are famous for their beauty, aesthetics, ritualistic association and iconography.
  • The art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura community, a PVTG largely residing in the Rayagada district.
  • These paintings are in the form of exterior murals painted on the mud walls of homes.
  • White paintings figure over a crimson-maroon background.
  • It is believed that the Lanjia Sauras paint their walls with Idital artworks to show gratitude to their deities and forefathers, and also for the well-being of their community.
  • Reflecting the love and affection of the primitive tribes for nature, they feature subjects like tribal humans, trees, animals, birds, the Sun and the Moon.
• Koraput Kala Jeera Rice: The black-coloured rice variety, also known as the ‘Prince of Rice’, is famous for its aroma, taste, texture and nutritional value.
  • Tribal farmers of the Koraput region have preserved the rice variety for around 1,000 years.
  • As the rice grains resemble cumin seeds, it is also called Kala Jeera. Consumption of the rice variety helps in increasing haemoglobin levels and improves metabolism in the body.
  • The farmers and producers of Koraput Kala Jeera rice have followed the traditional knowledge and practices in cultivation.
• Similipal Kai chutney: The chutney made with red weaver ants is a traditional delicacy of the tribals in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
  • The ants are found in the forests of Mayurbhanj, including in the Similipal forests – Asia’s second-largest biosphere.
  • Rich in medicinal and nutritional value, the chutney is believed to be a good source of nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, etc.
  • The tribals prepare the Kai chutney by grinding the ants manually on a Sil Batta or the grinding stone.
  • Mayurbhanj’s tribals also earn their livelihood by selling the red ants and the chutney made from the ants.
  • They believe that its consumption helps boost immunity and prevents diseases.
• Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal: Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal is known for its prickly thorns on the stems and the whole plant.
  • The green and round fruits contain more seeds as compared to other genotypes.
  • It is famous for its unique taste and relatively short quick cooking time. The plants are resistant to major insects and can be grown with minimal pesticide.
  • It is being widely cultivated in Nayagarh district of the state.
• Odisha Khajuri Guda: Odisha’s “Khajuri Guda” or jaggery is a natural sweetener extracted from date palm trees and has its origin in the Gajapati district.
  • Traditionally, the jaggery is prepared in a trapezoidal form called ‘Patali Gur’ and is organic by nature.
  • It is dark brown and has a unique taste.
• Dhenkanal Magji: Dhenkanal Magji is a type of sweet made from cheese from buffalo milk, with distinct characteristics in terms of appearance, taste, flavour, shape, and size.
  • It also has unique nutritional values that distinguish it from other cheese-based sweets.
• The sweet is prepared by draining moisture from the cheese and then frying it, finally forming balls from the mixture.

Why in the News?

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant hailed the recognition as a great opportunity for the cashew industry in the state and “a milestone towards the Swayampurna Goa mission”.

About Goan cashew:

• Cashew is one of the most important plantation crops in India, with significant cultivation in the state of Goa.
• Its introduction to India traces back to the 16th century (1570) when the Portuguese brought it from its native region in northeast Brazil, Latin America.
• Originally recognized for afforestation and soil conservation, cashews quickly gained prominence in Goa, occupying the largest area among horticultural crops.
• The climatic conditions conducive to its growth are well-suited to the Indian coastal areas, thriving under hot and humid circumstances.

Climatic Conditions:

• Soil and Climate: Well-drained deep sandy loam soils, ranging from sandy to laterite, prove to be ideal for cashew cultivation.
• Goa, known for its sandy loam, is a particularly favourable region for this crop.
• Adaptability: Cashew exhibits excellent adaptability to the coastal regions of India, thriving under temperatures ranging from 20 to 38 degrees Celsius.
• The relative humidity in the range of 60 to 95% is also conducive to its growth.
• Rainfall: Annual precipitation between 2000 to 3500mm supports the cultivation of cashews, ensuring optimal growth and development.
• Geographical Expansion: While traditionally associated with Goa, the cultivation of cashews is expanding to non-traditional areas in the plains of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and some parts of the Northeast hill region.
• Cashew's journey from its introduction by the Portuguese to becoming a vital crop in Goan agriculture highlights its adaptability and significance in the diverse agro-climatic regions of India.

What is a Geographical Indication Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a distinctive emblem affixed to products originating from a specific geographical area, signifying unique qualities or a reputation inherently tied to that origin.
• Primarily employed for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial items, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India aims to facilitate the registration and enhanced safeguarding of geographical indications associated with various goods.
• Under this act, the granted GI tag holds validity for a period of 10 years, with the provision for renewal upon expiration.

Why in the News?

Arunachal Pradesh, a northeastern state, achieved a noteworthy milestone as the distinctive and culturally important yak milk product known as 'Yak Churpi' has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About 'Yak Churpi':

• Yak Churpi is a special dairy product crafted from the milk of the indigenous Arunachali yak breed.
• It's produced by Brokpas, tribal yak herders who migrate with their yaks to higher altitudes (above 10,000 ft) during summers and return to mid-altitude mountainous areas in winters.
• These exceptional yaks are primarily found in the West Kameng and Tawang districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Churpi is a naturally fermented dairy item with a high protein content.
• It plays a vital role in the diets of tribal communities living in the cold, mountainous regions of the state.
• It's often used as a vegetable substitute and is a common ingredient in vegetable and meat dishes, frequently enjoyed with rice.
• The GI tag for Yak Churpi has significant benefits, including the conservation of yaks and the improvement of the socio-economic status of yak herders.
• Arunachali yaks are unique in terms of their body characteristics, size, strain, and weight, making them the only registered yak breed in India.

Why in the News?

Recently, Basohli Pashmina, a traditional craft with over a century of history from the Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Basohli Pashmina:

• Basohli Pashmina is renowned for its exceptional softness, fineness, lightweight quality, insulation, and durability.
• Pashmina products include shawls, mufflers, blankets, and baskets.
• Pashmina is a premium variety of cashmere, obtained from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi mountain goats.
• These goats are found on the Changthang Plateau in Tibet and parts of Ladakh.
• The Changpa people, who are nomads living on the Changthang plateau of Tibet, are traditional producers of pashmina wool.