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- Naga Cucumber recently became the third agricultural products and fourth overall to be granted the GI tag from Nagaland.
- It was officially certified by the India’s Registrar of Geographical Indications (GI) on September 14 as an agricultural good unique to Nagaland.
- As per official certification documents, the present application for Naga Cucumber GI registration was first filed by the Guwahati-based North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd (NERAMAC) on December 10, 2018.
- After long process, it was certified with the GI tag on September 14, with registration validity upto December 9, 2028.
- After the final process of application, the GI office in its’ public notice’ based on the NERAMAC application stated that cucumber has been traditionally cultivated by Naga farmers in their Jhum fields as a mixed crop mainly during the Kharif season (April –May).
About Naga Cucumber
- Naga cucumbers are a kind of fruits that differ in taste, shape and sizes from those available in other parts of India.
- Naga cucumbers are normally 15 to 20cm in length and 14-16 cm in diameter. On an average 5-8 numbers of cucumber weigh one kg.
Historical Background
- Nagaland, cucumbers are being growing by the tribal people from “time immemorial.”
- Nagaland’s rank as 5th in area and 3rd in production of cucumbers in the North East was also stated as another reason behind its significance.
- A wide variety of local cultivars exist in Nagaland and these are grown in different parts of the state by different Naga tribes.
- Cucumber is one of the most awaited fruit for Konyak people every year. It is called Maikoh” which literally means “give (Koh) to beloved (mai), citing a story attached to its origin.
- A group of young man from Morung (man’s dormitory) went to the jungle and discovered the fruit. They tasted it and found out that it was juicy and harmless so, they decided to take it back to their lovers. This gave birth to the name ‘Maikoh’ ever after,” it stated.
- Mon, Mokokchung, Peren and Wokha districts are cited as some prominent area of cultivating Naga cucumber.
It’s Uniqueness
- Cucumber is one of the most alkaline foods and because of its triterpenes, it may work well to regulate diseases that involve the immune system.
- Cucumber is mostly consumed raw as salad and Naga people traditionally, used cucumber for medicinal purpose for constipation and jaundice.
Speciality
- Naga cucumber is recognised for its sweetness and unique green colour.
- Naga cucumbers are juicy, soft, and sweet. They are grown completely organically.
- Naga cucumbers are a kind of fruits that differ in taste, shape and sizes from those available in other areas.
- They are low in calories but high in potassium and contain a high level of water and can serve as an alternative to consuming sports drinks.
- With a high level of water content and the added bonus of naturally occurring nutrients and trace minerals, it could be great supplements to drinking water or even serve as an alternative to consuming sports drinks
What is GI Tag?
- According to World intelectual property organization ( WIPO), A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place.
- In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production.
- Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
- The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years. It can be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each.
- In December 1999, the Parliament had passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act,1999.
- This Act seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
- This Act is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications. The Geographical Indications Registry would be located at Chennai.
GI Tags Of Nagaland
Question:
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated every year on the first week of
(A) January
(B) March
(C) October
(D) December
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