Alibaug White Onion

Alibaug White Onion

Part of: Prelims and GS III – Intellectual property rights

Context The Alibaug white onion was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, bringing worldwide recognition to its medicinal properties.

• Alibaug, is a coastal town, just south of Mumbai, in the state of Maharashtra
• Local farmers have preserved the seed for over two centuries. The onion is also mentioned in a government gazette published in 1883.

Key takeaways 

• The soil of Alibaug taluka has low sulphur content. 
• The onions have low pungency, sweet taste, ‘no tear’ factor, low pyruvic acid, high protein, fat and fibre content, besides high antioxidant compounds (quercetin). 
• It boosts immunity, helps with insomnia, blood cleaning, blood pressure and heat-related ailments. 

What is GI tag? 

• It is an indication which is definite to a geographical territory.
• It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.
• The goods need to be produced or processed or prepared in that region. 
• The product must have a special quality or reputation.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 provides registration and also protection of GI goods in India.
• The Geographical Indications Registry for India is located in Chennai.
• A registered GI tag prohibits a third party to use such products. 
• GI is a collective intellectual property right and is thus owned by all the producers within the defined GI territory. 
• Patents and trademarks are owned by an individual or a business entity.