Bhalia Wheat

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.