Manipur’s Hathei Chilli, Tamenglong Orange get GI tag
Hathei chilli, which is found in Manipur’s Ukrul district and is known for its unique flavour, and Tamenglong mandarin orange have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Manipur’s Hathei Chilli, Tamenglong Orange get GI tag
Hathei chilli, which is found in Manipur’s Ukrul district and is known for its unique flavour, and Tamenglong mandarin orange have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Hathei Chilly
- Hathei chilly, commonly known as the Sirarakhong chilly, thrives well only in climatic condition of the Sirarakhong village, which is situated about 66 km from Imphal.
- It has over 200 households and farming is the main occupation of the villagers. The major chunk of their income comes from the unique chilly. The chillies are grown organically across 300 hectares of the hills surrounding Sirarakhong village.
- Experts said that the chilly has a distinct flavour. These chillies also grow in adjoining villages but their quality, in terms of taste, flavour and colour, are considered to be inferior to the variety that is found in Sirarakhong.
- The Hathei chilly works as a good anti-oxidant and possesses high calcium and Vitamin C levels. It has an extremely high American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) colour value of 164. The extractable colour of chilli is usually expressed using ASTA values.
Tamenglong Orange
- The Tamenglong mandarin orange is bigger in size, weighing 232.76 grams on average. It is a unique sweet and sour flavour. It has high juice content (around 45 per cent) and is rich in ascorbic acid (48.12 mg/100ml).
- These oranges are grown over areas spanning 1,800 hectares in the hills of Tamenglong.
What is Geographical Indication Tags (GI Tags)?
- A geographical indication or GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
- In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999. Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
