Mithila Makhana gets GI tag, expected to boost industry in Bihar- what you need to know about this auspicious ingredient

The government has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Mithila Makhana, a move which is expected to help growers get the maximum price for their premium produce.

While tweeting about the development, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, "Mithila Makhana registered with GI Tag, farmers will get profit and it will be easier to earn. Due to the Geographical Indication Tag to Mithila Makhana in the festive season, people outside Bihar will be able to use this auspicious material with reverence."

“Makhana” is one of the choicest aquatic cash fruit crops of Mithila region of Bihar. In Mithila culture of Bihar, Makhana is known as Makhaan in Maithili. It is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the God and Goddesses during festivals and is used to show reverence.

The word "Makhana" comes from the Sanskrit word for grain Mak. Mak is the meaning of sacrifice.

Geographical area of production of “Mithila Makhana” takes place in 21 out of 38 districts, mostly situated in the North of the Bihar state.

Its major regions include Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Begusarai, Madhubani, Katihar among many others.

GI Tag से पंजीकृत हुआ मिथिला मखाना,
किसानों को मिलेगा लाभ और आसान होगा कमाना।

त्योहारी सीजन में मिथिला मखाना को Geographical Indication Tag मिलने से बिहार के बाहर भी लोग श्रद्धा भाव से इस शुभ सामग्री का प्रयोग कर पाएंगे। pic.twitter.com/SzSOlsugRB

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 20, 2022

Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.

The product will now also get legal protection, promotion of exports, and prevention against unauthorised use by others.

The certificate which was issued on August 16, is registered in the name of Mithilanchal Makhana Utpadak Sangh. Such names usually convey distinctiveness.

Process of getting a GI tag includes filing of application, preliminary scrutiny and examination, show cause notice, publication in the geographical indications journal, opposition to registration, and registration.

It must be noted that any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can apply. The applicant must represent the interest of the producers.

The famous goods which carry this tag include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.

With inputs from PTI