2 new Geographical Indication registrations are accorded to State of Gujarat. Junagadh Agriculture University and Gujarat Ago-Industries had applied for Gir Kesar( a variety of Kesar Mango) and Bhalia Wheat (A protein rich wheat grown in and around the area of Junagadh) registrations on behalf of farmers of the Junagadh and surrounding areas.
Bhalia is a long grain wheat variety rich in protein and grown under conserved soil moisture conditions in Bhal region of Gujarat, spread across from Ahmedabad to Bhavanagar and comprising part of Khambat.
As per the GI document, the wheat is locally known as Daudkhani wheat, with desirable qualities like high carotene, low water absorption, high protein content and is preferable for semolina (suji) for use in pasta goods such as macaroni, spaghetti, vermicelli, noodles, pizza, etc.
AAU was involved with the filing of GI application for Bhalia wheat and has been engaged in research on it, while the state-run Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation (GAIC) had filed the GI application
The history of this kesar Variety of mango was told by a JAU official. He said that “The Kesar mango was first spotted by Junagadh Wazir Sale Bhai in Vanthali taluka of Junagadh. Subsequently, it was sent to Mangrol’s Sheikh Jehangir Mia, who, after having the delicious fruit sowed the kernel in his garden and named it as ‘Saale ki Aambdi’. Coming to know about the fruit, the Junagadh garden superintendent A.S.K. Iyengar gathered information about this king of fruits from Jehangir Mia and visited Vanthali to prepare few grafts for planting them in the district. Later, around 75 grafts prepared by him were planted at the Junagadh Laal Dori farm situated on the foothills of Girnar mountains and after three years, Junagadh Nawab Babi Mahabat Khanji-III was offered the fruit to taste. The nawab liked the taste of this delicious fruit and gave it the name of Kesar in around 1934”.
The new status would help prevent sale of ordinary Kesar mangoes, grown mostly in Junagadh and Amreli districts, as Gir Kesar. The entire area around the Gir sanctuary would be home to this variety and only those grown in this area would be known as Gir Kesar.
Mangoes from other parts of the state would be called Kesar though. The GI officials said the taste of Kesar mango from the Gir area was different from the varieties grown elsewhere.
Once the GI certification is accorded, anyone passing off any other variety of mango as Gir Kesar or wheat as Balia wheat, can be jailed for a term extending up to two years or fined. The fine ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh under the Geographical Indication of Goods (registration and protection) Act, 1999.
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Author is a practising Advocate in Rajasthan High Court
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