UPSC Articles
Madurai Malli
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Intellectual Property Rights
In news: GI certified Madurai Malli and other flowers exported to USA & Dubai from Tamil Nadu.
About Madurai Malli
- It is the Jasmine flower, known for its strong and powerful, mysteriously attractive & seductive fragrance.
- Because of its place of origin, it is known as Madurai Malli.
- It is mainly cultivated in the district of Madurai and the neighboring places of Madurai like Theni, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar and Dindigul.
- It was given GI recognition in 2013.
- GI protection prevents producers of similar flowers in other regions from using the specific tag and helps growers in the specific region preserve their identity in the local and global market
- Madurai has emerged as a major market for the malligai grown in its neighbourhood, and has evolved into the ‘jasmine capital’ of India.
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.
