The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) has undertaken Geographical Indication (GI) certification for several products in the Northeast, including the renowned Tripura Queen Pineapple.
The Queen variety of Pineapple, exclusively grown in Tripura, has become the state’s first and only product to receive the prestigious GI tag. To further promote the initiative, NERAMAC recently organized a Geographical Indication awareness seminar in Agartala.
The seminar primarily focused on authorizing 300 farmers to use the GI tag provided by NERAMAC for their processed pineapple products. The event saw a remarkable turnout, with over 200 Queen Pineapple producers in attendance.
Tripura’s agriculture minister, Ratan Lal Nath, graced the occasion and expressed his support for the GI initiative. Minister Nath highlighted the Central government’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, protect farmers’ rights, and enhance the country’s agricultural exports.
Rajiv Ashok, the managing director of NERAMAC, emphasized the significance of the GI initiative in safeguarding traditional agricultural practices and products unique to the North-eastern region. He noted that the certification would protect the Tripura Queen Pineapple’s reputation and prevent misuse and imitation. Ashok further explained that the authorized farmers would gain a competitive advantage in domestic and international markets, leading to increased income and improved livelihoods.
The seminar also featured renowned GI expert and Padma Shree awardee, Dr. Rajni Kant Dwivedi, who shed light on the importance of region-specific GI products from the Northeast. Dr. Dwivedi stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to promoting and protecting these unique products, as they not only preserve their identity and quality but also create employment opportunities for local communities.
Additionally, Minister Nath highlighted the abundance of unique products in Tripura that qualify for GI certification. He mentioned the indigenous rice beer, known as “Langi,” which holds great cultural significance and is produced in rural households by tribal communities. The Minister also pointed out the exceptional taste of Tripura’s jackfruit and the traditional dish called “Gudak,” which are exclusive to the state.
The Geographical Indication seminar was organized by NERAMAC, under the assistance of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India. As part of the event, 200 farmers received GI tagging certification from NERAMAC, further empowering them in their pineapple cultivation endeavors.
The GI certification of Tripura Queen Pineapple and the ongoing efforts to promote region-specific agricultural products reflect the commitment to preserve and enhance the cultural heritage and economic prospects of the North-eastern region.
