Statesman News Service
MALDA, 24 MARCH: Three varieties of Malda mangoes Lakshman Bhog, Khirsapati ( Himsagar) and Fazli have succeeded in earning Geographical Indicator Index from the Intellectual Property Rights, Union commerce and Industry minister. The Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council and West Bengal government had taken the initiative for the purpose in 2003.
The GI registration would not help mango farmers right now in promoting or exporting the fruit in the national and International markets. It is, however, a vital step forward in promoting Malda mangoes in the World markets.
“The GI registration would help fetch more infrastructure in Malda related to processing and export of Malda mangoes”, informed senior scientist, TIFAC, Mr Debabrata Majumdar.
It is learnt that Malda achieved the GI registration some time ago but could not exploit the prestige and benefits associated with it due to lack of propaganda, and market promotion.
“The farmers and traders of Malda would have to campaign about the benefits of the GI registration. In keeping with the development, 60 farmers and traders have been selected for training on how to exploit the GI registration for Malda mangoes. The training would be held on 27 March”, the scientist added.
It is also learnt that due to the GI indicator, entrepreneurs interested in setting up mango processing units using the particular three brands of Malda mangoes would have to set up processing units in Malda to avail of the right.
None beyond Malda district would be able to use the patent and right of Malda mango.
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