Manipur’s “Hathei Chillies and Tamenglong oranges” awarded with GI tag
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.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Friday that two indigenous Manipur products – Hathei Chilly and Tamenglong orange – have been granted GI Tag and said that this historic development will help farmers in the state increase their earnings.
He took to the tweeter to express his happiness “This is a historic milestone in the history of Manipur which will increase the income of the farmers immensely,” he wrote.
After the famous variety of black rice called ‘Chakho’ that grows in Manipur awarded with GI tag now, these two products also got included in the list. Tamenglong orange is a unique species of the mandarin family, which contributes over 50% of Manipur’s annual production it is also loaded with health benefits.
Hathei chilly, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive taste and color. It is also rich in vitamin C and Calcium and other healthy antioxidants.
The Manipur Organic Mission Agency (Moma) applied for GI tags for Tamenglong orange and Sirarakhong Hathei chilly in 2019. Moma project director K Debdutta Sharma said the GI certificates will be issued shortly.
Manipur has been promoting this two produce by celebrating the Orange Festival every December and the Sirarakhong Hathei festival every August for over a decade.
However, geographical indications lead to the overall economic prosperity of the manufacturers and producers. The marketing and promotion of the products with the GI tags enhance the secondary economic activities in that specific region, which in turn boosts the regional economic development.
