• UGI USER
  • Jan 07, 2023
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Onattukara sesame

Context: Onattukara sesame has received a geographical indication (GI) tag

More on the news

  • Onattukara sesame is famous for its medicinal value and quality.
  • Traditional ayurvedic doctors from the erstwhile Travancore kingdom utilised Onattukara sesame oil for the treatment of diseases related to rheumatism and to protect the skin since the 18th century
  • The research found sesame is a good source of vitamin E and antioxidants.
  • Ayali, Kayamkulam-1, thilak, thilathara and thilarani are some of the sesame varieties.

Geographical Indication Tag

  • A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and maintain qualities or prestige that is due to that origin.
  • To function as a GI, a sign must recognize a product as originating in a given place.
  • Geographical indication tags are typically used for handicrafts, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, agriculture products, and industrial products.
  • The term geographical indications in its broad manner comprise a combination of concepts used in international covenants and national/regional jurisdictions, such as
    • Appellation of origin (AO)
    • Protected designation of origin (PDO)
    • Protected geographical indication (PGI)

Benefits of getting a GI Tag?

  • A geographical indication right allows those who have the right to use the indication to deter its use by a third party whose product does not correspond to the applicable standards.
    • For example, in the jurisdictions in which the Darjeeling geographical indication is protected, producers of Darjeeling tea can keep out the use of the term “Darjeeling” for tea not grown in their tea gardens or not produced as per the standards set out in the code of practice for the geographical indication.
  • It is also to be noted that protected geographical indication does not enable the holder to prevent someone from making a product using the same techniques as those set out in the standards for that indication.
  • Protection for a geographical indication is mainly obtained by attaining a right over the sign that consists of the indication.

The Geographical Indications Registry

 It is set up for the administration of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999 with the objective to provide registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods.

  • The GI Registry is situated in Chennai.