Banarasi Paan GI Tag:  Banarasi Paan has received the geographical indication (GI) tag. This tag signifies that products from a specific geographical location possess qualities that are due to that origin. Known for its delicious taste, the Banarasi Paan is made uniquely using special ingredients. Along with the Banarasi Paan, three other Varanasi-based products -- Banarasi Langda Mango, Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal) and Adamchini Rice -- have also received the GI tag, said Padma Awardee GI expert Rajinikant. With this development, the Kashi region now boasts 22 GI tag products.

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In collaboration with NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) Uttar Pradesh, GI applications were filed for 20 state-based products during the Covid phase. Of these, 11 products -- including seven ODOP and four products of Kashi region -- have received GI tag this year with the help of NABARD and the Yogi Adityanath government.

Rajnikant further said that a total of 20 lakh people, including artisans, are involved in making the GI products of the eastern Uttar Pradesh region, including those from Varanasi.

The annual turnover of these products is pegged at Rs 25,500 crore. He also expressed hope that by the end of the next month, the remaining nine products will also be included in the country`s intellectual property.

These include -- Banaras Lal Peda, Chiraigaon Gooseberry, Tirangi Barfi, Banarasi Thandai and Banaras Lal Bharwa Mirch, among others.

Before this, the Kashi and the Purvanchal region had 18 GI products -- including Banaras Brocade and Sarees, Handmade Bhadohi Carpets, Mirzapur Handmade Carpets, Banaras Metal Reposi Craft, Varanasi Gulabi Meenakari, Varanasi Wooden lacquerware and Toys, Nizamabad Black Patri, Banaras Glass Beads, Varanasi Softstone Jaali Work, Ghazipur Wall Hangig, Chunar Sandstone, Chunar Glaze Patari, Gorakhpur Terracotta Craft, Banaras Zardozi, Banaras Hand Block Print, Banaras Wood Carving, Mirzapur Brass Utensils and Mau Saree.

More than 1,000 farmers would be registered and given GI-authorised user certificates.

NABARD AGM Anuj Kumar Singh said that in the coming times, NABARD is going to launch various schemes to take these GI products forward. Financial institutions will provide cooperation for production and marketing, he added.