Table of Contents
- Sojat Mehndi from Rajasthan has received the geographical indication (GI) tag from the government, a move that helps growers of this product get a premium price as no other producer can use the name to market similar goods.
- GI tag for Sojat Mehndi is a win-win for farmers, MSME players, artisans and consumers alike if we can leverage it to enhance its exports given its herbal cosmetic and medicinal uses.
- It will contribute to both employment and revenue.
- Sojat Mehndi originates from mehndi leaves grown in Sojat. It is fully naturally cultivated by rainwater for getting high lawsone content in mehndi leaves.
- Sojat tehsil of the Pali district in Rajasthan has several natural factors such as geological structure, topography and drainage system, climate and soil that makes it suitable for the crop.
Significance
- Mehendi is in huge demand in the Gulf nations.
- It also has a big market in Mexico and Africa for tattooing.
- So more possibilities can be explored by the industries department for its export.
- Sojat industries are reeling under a slowdown since the last many years and this one initiative can give a major thrust to the dying segment.
- The packaging industry too can get a boost, Made in India slogan can be realised and women can benefit a lot at the same time.
- Also farmers and small traders can benefit by growing and selling it respectively.
About Sojat city
- Sojat city of marwar region (Jodhpur empire), is situated on the left bank of the Sukri River, in Pali district India.
- It was earlier (in the ancient times) known as Tamravati nagri.
- Sojat is India’s largest henna production city. 90% of “Mehandi” production goes for export all over the world.
- Sojat City is also called as Henna city( Mehandi Nagri ). It is a hub of Henna cultivation.
- Due to its favorable climatic conditions and soils Sojat is the only region in India where henna is grown and are exported worldwide.
- Henna produced in this region has popularity all over the world as “Rajasthani Henna” and it imparts a rich reddish dark stains on hands and feet and also act as a good natural conditioners for hair.
- Henna of this regions contains high Lawson content. The dyeing agent in henna powder is Lawson which is present in dry henna leaves at a concentration of 0.5–2.5%.
- It attaches itself strongly to proteins, and as a result the dye is very fast. Higher the Lawson content in Henna powder better is the quality.
- Government of Rajasthan (under Agriculture Marketing Board) set up Krishi Upaj Mandi in Sojat city to boost up the production and marketing of Henna leaves of this region.
- Since it is an export commodity about 90% henna produced in this region are exported to about 130 countries. The role of Krishi Upaj Mandi is to ensure fair returns to the henna farmers of this region.
- Everyday there are about 140-150 Metric Tons Henna leaves are sold by farmers to Henna traders and manufacturers through this Krishi Upaj Mandi Sojat city.
Historical Background
- The art of henna (called mehndi or mehendi in Hindi & Urdu languages) has been practiced for over 5000 years in Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East. Some documentation dates it to over 9000 years old.
- Because henna has natural cooling properties, people of the desert, for centuries, have been using henna to help control their body temperature.
- Today people all over the world have adopted the ancient tradition of embellishing their bodies with the beautiful natural artwork created from the henna plant.
- In the 90’s it became a very popular form of temporary bodily decoration in the USA, and has become a growing trend ever since.
- Henna is considered an herb, and has long been known to have healing qualities. It is used topically and usually not ingested or inhaled.
- In ancient times it has been applied to the skin surface for healing headaches, stomach pains, burns (including sunburns), open wounds, fevers, athlete’s foot and even the prevention of hair loss.
Geographical Indication Tag???
- 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.
Rajasthan’s GI Tags
- Bagru Hand Block Printing (Handicraft)
- Blue Pottery of Jaipur (Handicraft)
- Blue Pottery of Jaipur (Logo) (Handicraft)
- Kathputlis of Rajasthan (Handicraft)
- Kathputlis of Rajasthan (Logo) (Handicraft)
- Kota Doria (Handicraft)
- Kota Doria (Logo) (Handicraft)
- Molela Clay Work (Handicraft)
- Molela Clay Work of Rajasthan (Logo) (Handicraft)
- Phulkari (Handicraft)
- Pokaran Pottery (Handicraft)
- Sanganeri Hand Block Printing (Handicraft)
- Thawa Art Work (Handicraft)
- Bikaneri Bhujia (Food Stuff)
- Makrana Marble (Natural Goods)
Question:
- Which of the following is not matched correctly?
(a) Chak-Hao (Black Rice): Manipur
(b) Bandar Laddu: Andhra Pradesh
(c) Aranmula Kannadi: Andhra Pradesh
(d) Bardhaman Sitabhog: West Bengal
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