This article has been written by Ms. Manisha kumari, a 2nd year student of the campus law centre, University of Delhi.
Abstract
India is the land of spices. No Indian cuisine is complete without these spices. In Indian history, from ancient to British period India is known for their distinctive spices and condiments. In the land of India, especially in South Indian states known for their spices in the world level. Spices and condiments are the reason which always attracts people from other parts of the world to come to India. These spices have their distinctive flavor, aroma and their medicinal properties which enhances their value as wholesome. We need to protect their essence, qualities and significance, GI is the one of the things which plays an important role in this area.
Introduction
In the culinary arts, Spices are used in the form of seed, fruit, root, bark or other plant substance which is added flavor and color in the food. Spices are occasionally used in medicine, religious ritual, cosmetics, or perfume production. Spices used fresh and whole after drying, grinding and extracted into powder form. Example, mustard or fennel seed may be used either whole or in powder form. Just like, Turmeric is either fresh or whole and also purchased in ground form. A whole dried spice has the longest shelf life. India is a world’s leading producer of spices, it produce 75% of spice production in the world. This is reflected in Indian cuisine. Historically, the spice trade develops throughout the Indian subcontinent as well as in East Asia and the Middle East. In the early modern period, Europe demands for spices and condiments for economic and cultural reasons for which they started voyages for the exploration of India.
Geographical Indication (GI) is a tag or sign used on natural, agricultural or manufactured products which originate from a specific geographical location and possess higher qualities or recognition due to place of origin (WIPO). According to the geographical indication of the goods, GI signs and tags are issued (Registration and Protection Act, 1999). The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion oversees the Geographical Indication Registry, which is in charge of issuing GI tags in India. India’s first product to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea (2004–05).
List of GI tagged for Spices
Malabar Pepper – Spice Board, Kochi is the custodian of Malabar Pepper. In ancient time, Malabar Pepper known as yavanpriya. This Malabar Pepper originated in the present day state of Kerala in India. The fruit known as a pepper corn when dried is small drupe 5ml in diameters, dark red when fully mature, containy a single seed is native of Black Pepper, world’s most trade spice and one of the leading producers of black pepper in the world. This spice is also called “BLACK GOLD”. Indians use pepper due to its health benefits. It has much anti-biotic property which prevents us from skin related cancer, gastro diseases, and so on. It is also called “KING OF SPICES”.
Alleppey Green Cardamom- Its custodian is also spice board, Kochi. A green variety of dried cardamom grown in cardamom hill of iddukki distict. It is use for flavoring sweets, curries, cakes, tea another culinary purposes. Cardamom relief acidity, fight anemia, beats bad breath etc. Cardamom is a popular medicine plant for over five thousand years. Cardamom comes in three different varieties but green cardamom is most popular for both medicinal and culinary use. It contains vitamin A, C, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, copper, and other micronutrients.
COORG Green Cardamom, it’s also got GI tag.
Naga chili– Its custodian is Department of Horticulture and Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, Kohima. This chili pepper is traditional food item of naga people. This chili is called by various name such as Naga Naga Jolokia, Naga Morich, Bhut Jolokia, Bih Jolokia, etc. Nagaland Government has found that there are four varieties of the Naga King Chilli pepper, and the hotness of the chilli is undisputed.
Mizo Chilli – North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd(NERAMAC), Guwahati – Native to Mizoram in northeastern India, the “Mizo chilli” has gained popularity for its intense heat and distinctive flavor, scent. In Mizoram, it goes by a number of names, including Mizoram Birds’eye Chili. MZBEC,also known as “Hmarchate” or “Vaihmarchate.”The tiny pods of the chili have a very strong pungency. The chilli is grown in the and has a maximum diameter of 4.5 cm in the eastern Himalayan region.
Sikkim large cardamom– North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd(NERAMAC), Guwahati- The Geographical Indication Tag (GI) was given to Sikkim’s large cardamom, dubbed the “Queen of Spices,” in 2014–15 for its potent scent, unique flavor, and exceptional crop quality. These attributes were ascribed to the region’s agro-climatic conditions and organic farming practices, which included mulching, decentralized irrigation, using no chemicals or fertilizers, using organic matter, and using native pesticides. Sikkim has emerged as a model state for the virtues of conventional organic farming methods, and there is much untapped market for large cardamom exports.
Kandhamal Haldi– Kandhamal Haldi, a variety of turmeric indigenous to southern Odisha, has earned the Geographical indication (GI) tag from Intellectual Property India. Turmeric, which takes pride of place in many different cuisines, is the spice that has made Kandhamal, in the southern hinterland of Odisha, famous. The agricultural product is notable for its aroma that arrests the senses and its healing properties. Compared to other turmeric varieties, it contains higher levels of volatile oil and oleo resin. It has strong medicinal value and healing properties due to this. It also has an amazing aroma. A healthy diet rich in curcumin has many health advantages. In the world of spices, the golden yellow Kandhamal Haldi, so named after the district in which it is made, is making waves.
Kashmiri Saffron– Kashmiri Saffron is grown at an altitude of 1,600m to 1,800m above sea level, which adds to its uniqueness and differentiates it from other saffron varieties available across the world. Saffron is cultivated and harvested in the Karewas (highlands) of J&K and has been assigned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. The spice is grown in Pulwama, Budgam, Kishtwar and Srinagar regions of J&K. India is now the only nation that produces saffron to receive GI status, giving it greater prominence in the export market and increasing exports while also assisting farmers in obtaining the most favorable price for sustainable economic growth. The GI certification of Kashmiri saffron will put an end to adulteration in the international market. With the introduction of the GI tag, farmers are likely to get better price for their produce.
There is also some more spices other than mentioned above such as Guntur Sannam Chilli, Byadagi Chilli, Assam Karbi, Anglong Ginger, Sindhudurg & RatnagiriKokum, Waigaon Turmeric, Bhiwapur Chilli, Uttarakhand Tejpat, Sangli Turmeric, Himachali Kala Zeera, Erode Manjal(ErodeTurmeric), KodaikanalMalaipoondu(Garlic), Khola Chilli, Hathei Chilli, Mizo Ginger, Dalle Khursani, Harmal Chill, Edayur Chilli (EdayurMulaku), Kanniya kumara Cloves, Kanthalloor Vattavada Garlic (Kanthalloor VattavadaVeluthulli), Ramnathapuram MunduChilli Hathras Hing.
GI keeps others from using registered GI without authorization. GI aids in increasing the crop’s export potential. It is possible to preserve the customs and culture of rural India. GI contributes to the preservation of produce quality. By giving consumers and producers access to information about the costs and quality of goods, GI aids in closing the gap between them. GI assists in decreasing the fraudulent sale of produce under the guise of high-quality produce in order to obtain better prices. APEDA made it easier to export GI products to many locations. A notable cargo of GI goods from Nagaland to the UK in 2021 was the Naga Mircha (King Chilli). In order to increase exports, APEDA organised in-store marketing campaigns in importing nations in collaboration with overseas merchants.
Conclusion
Geographical Indications (GI) products are known for their quality and are trusted for their authenticity and integrity. Various agricultural commodities have unique quality traits due to the diverse agro-climatic conditions of India. These unique qualities facilitate the registration process under GI. Public and semi-public authorities safeguard and optimize the market potential of credible products associated with their origin by guaranteeing legal protection for Indian Geographical Indications. While there has been a noticeable advancement in providing GI tags to possible elite Spice clones, the process is still in its early phases. It is likely that the producer and trade have little knowledge of the social and economic importance of registered items, as well as the registration procedure. Therefore, branding and marketing are a result of protecting and increasing the number of geographical indications. These actions will support the manufacturers’ and producers’ overall economic prosperity in that particular region, contributing to both regional economic development and increased export potential.
Reference
- Sachin A J*, Karthik Nayaka V S, Prashant Kalal and Vijay Rakesh Reddy S, Geographical indications (GI) of spices, plantation, medicinal and aromatic crops, epubs.icar.org.in
- List of GeographicalIndication (GI) Tags Registered for Spices, www.Indianspices.com
- Geographical Indications of India MARKETED BY TRIBES INDIA www.tribes india.com, static.pib.gov.in
- Reasons Why you should be Considering GI Tagged Indian spices, www.gitagged.com
- Asraf Wani, GI-tagged Kashmiri saffron will boost prominence, end adulteration in international market,www.indiatoday.com, 2022