Indore to get GI Tag for Poha, Sev & Shikanji in 4 Months!
Indore the food junction of India is all set to make its name even more authentic in taste and originality for some of the food items that are originally produced in Indore and are now popular throughout the Nation. Yes, you heard it right Indore Namkeen Mithai Association has applied for GI tag for some of the popular food items whose origin is fairly marked in Indore. Indore’s famous Poha, Laung Sev, Khatta Meetha Namkeen and Shikanji is under the process of getting GI tag.
Indore Namkeen Industry putting efforts to get GI Tag
Indore Namkeen Mithai Association has applied for GI tag in coordination with the MSME department for four items from Indore. There are traditional varieties of Namkeen or savory snack that originated from Indore and are now exported across the globe making Indore – a snack hub. As told by the association secretary that they have started the procedure and applied for getting GI tag for Poha, Laung Sev, Khatta Meetha Namkeen and Shikanji as these famous items have originated from Indore and are known globally for its flavors and taste. As per the procedure and process, it is expected that Indore will get GI tag in four months for these 4 items.
What is GI Tag?
A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g. a town, region, or country). For Eg, Darjeeling tea became the first GI tagged product in India, in 2004-05.
Indore Namkeen Industry valuation and demand
In fact, Indore alone has a business Namkeen and savory snack of about Rs 5,000 crore. A report saying that the demand for Indore manufactured Namkeen or savories is growing by over 30 percent per annum led by a surge in consumption of snacks in metros and overseas. According to the Industry people, GI tag will help maintain the authenticity of flavors and market and will restrict duplication of products and boost exports and domestic supplies of Namkeen from the Indore to other cities within and outside the country.
How the GI tag will benefit the Namkeen industry?
To get a GI tag, the association is collecting pictures, news articles, paper cuttings and other related documents from various sources. The association has also sought access to government libraries to get details on savories. Indore is currently exporting its Namkeen to countries like The United States, Singapore, Australia and Europe. It has been observed by the time that due to lack of awareness regarding property rights many items do not get their due identity in the global market and GI tag will bring Indore on the world map and will prevent products from getting copied.
