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 wheatwas 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.
