Central Government awards GI tag to Mithila Makhana to boost farmers’ income


GI Tag for Mithila Makhana: The Central government recently awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana to boost farmers’ income.

Highlights:

  • With this move, growers will get the maximum price for their premium produce.
  • Over five lakh farmers of Mithila region of Bihar will be benefitted from this decision.

Significance of GI Tag:

  • Once a product gets the GI tag, any company or a person cannot sell a similar item under that name.
  • This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
  • The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorized use by others, and promoting exports.

About Mithila Makhana:

  • Mithila Makhana or Makhan (botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisb.) is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal.
  • Makhana is the one of the three prestigious cultural identity of Mithila.
  • In Mithila, Makhana is also termed as Makhan.
  • It is also very famous in Kojagara festival of Maithil Brahmins celebrated for newly married couples.
  • Pan, Makhan and Machh (fish) are the three prestigious cultural identity of Mithila.

Significance of Makhana:

  • Makhana contains protein and fiber, along with micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.


A)
B)
C)
D)


Share