Mithila Makhana of Bihar gets GI tag

• The Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) of the Union Ministry of Commerce has accepted the petition to change the name of Bihar Makhana to Mithila Makhana.
• For the benefit of Fox Nut growers in the Mithila region, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) at Sabour had filed an application on behalf of Mithilanchal Makhana Producer Association (MMUS) for branding its product Mithila Makhana.
• A geographical indication (GI) is a name or symbol used on certain products that refers to a specific geographical location or origin.

Important Takeaways

About GI

• The state has highest GI tag: Karnataka (47)
• First GI tag product: Darjeeling tea (2004)
• GI tag started: 15th September 2003
• Total GI tagged product in India: 370