UPSC Articles
Bhalia Wheat
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Intellectual Property Rights
In news: In a major boost to wheat exports, the first shipment of Geographical Indication (GI) certified Bhalia variety of wheat was exported to Kenya and Sri Lanka from Gujarat.
About Bhalia Wheat
- The wheat has high protein content
- It is sweet in taste.
- The crop is grown mostly across Bhal region of Gujarat which includes Ahmadabad, Anand, Kheda, Bhavanagar, Surendranagar, Bharuch districts.
What is Geographical Indication (GI)?
- It is a sign on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to its special quality or reputed attributes.
- It is a mark of authenticity and ensures that registered authorized users or at least those residing inside the geographic territory are allowed to use the popular product names.
- GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
- It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
What are the Benefits of GI Tag?
- It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications thus preventing unauthorized use of the registered GIs by others.
- It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.
- It leads to recognition of the product in other countries thus boosting exports.
