NERAMAC authorises 250 Naga farmers to use GI tag

The GI-tagged products in Nagaland include: Naga Mircha (King Chilli); Naga Tree Tomato; Naga Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang Shawl

North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), under the Ministry of Development of Northeast Region (DoNER), has authorised 250 Naga Sweet Cucumber and Tree Tomato farmers in Nagaland to use NERAMAC processed Geographical Identification (GI) certification.

GI awareness programme was held in Kohima. GI initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, protect the rights of farmers and enhanced the country’s agricultural exports.

A short presentation was made about the work being undertaken by NERAMAC in the North Eastern Region in general and Nagaland in particular. About 100 Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber farmers attended the seminar.

Tiakala Ao, general manager of NABARD Kohima said GI is a form of intellectual property rights that identifies a product originating from a specific geographical location, possessing qualities, reputation or characteristics that are attributable to that location. Therefore, she said GI protection can play a significant role in promoting and safeguarding the traditional and unique products of a region.

Tiakala informed that at present the GI-tagged products in Nagaland include: Naga Mircha (King Chilli); Naga Tree Tomato; Naga Sweet Cucumber and Chakhesang Shawl.
Horticulture department director, Meyasashi, give a presentation on Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Cucumber, explaining the advantages of these products.