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.
