The government has awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana.

According to the GI registry certificate, it is certified that the GI has been registered in the name of Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh.

Mithila Makhana

• Bihar is the only state in the country and India is the first country in the world to popularise Makhana as a commercial aquatic horticultural fruit crop.

• Its botanical name is Euryale ferox Salisb.

• Makhana is one of the choicest aquatic cash fruit crops of Mithila region of Bihar. Ecologically, Euryale ferox Salisb has been classified as an annual aquatic herb with gigantic floating leaves, emergent macrophyte of monotypic genus, growing in the littoral parts of the floodplain wetlands of stagnated shallow water which are perennial in nature. 

• Geographical area of production of Mithila Makhana takes place in 21 out of 38 districts, mostly situated in the north of the Bihar state. 

• In Mithila culture of Bihar, Makhana is known as Makhaan in Maithili. It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence.

• Makhana is recommended for treatment of diseases regarding respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory and reproductive systems.

Benefits of GI tag

• A geographical indication (GI) tag is used for an agricultural, natural, or a manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory. Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to the place of its origin.

• The GI tag helps growers get the premium price of the product as no other producer can misuse the name to market similar goods.

• Darjeeling tea, Tirupati laddu, Kangra paintings, Nagpur orange, and Kashmir Pashmina are among the registered GIs in India.

• The other benefits of GI registration include legal protection to that item, prevention against unauthorised use by others, and promoting exports.

• There is a proper process of registration of GI products which includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.

• It is a legal right under which the GI holder can prohibit others from using the same name.

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