The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI tags to eight Bodo products.
About Eight Bodo Products
| Rice Beer Varieties: |
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- Contains the highest alcohol content (16.11%) among rice beers.
- Made by the Bodo community.
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- Also called “Maibra Jwu Bidwi” or “Maibra Zwu Bidwi,”.
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- Another traditional rice-based alcoholic beverage.
- Believed to have originated from Lord Shiva and considered medicinal.
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Traditional Food Items:
- The Association of Traditional Food Products successfully applied for four GI tags:
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- A fermented fish dish prepared anaerobically in a sealed container for 2-3 months.
- Fermentation is a preferred preservation method due to high rainfall and limited fish availability.
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- A curry made from rice powder, flavoured with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali.
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- Also called “Gwka Gwkhi,” prepared during the Bwisagu festival.
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- A semi-fermented dish made from jute leaves, which are rich in Omega 3, vitamins, calcium, and magnesium.
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Traditional Clothing: Bodo Aronai
- A small traditional cloth (1.5-2.5 meters long, 0.5 meter wide), received a GI tag after an application by the Association of Traditional Bodo Weavers.
- Bodo traditions are reflected in dance, music, festivals, and clothing, with designs inspired by nature, including trees, flowers, mountains, and birds.
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What is a GI Tag?
- A Geographical Indication (GI tag) is a label for products that come from a specific place and have special qualities linked to that region.
- Assam (Orthodox) Logo
- Muga Silk of Assam (Logo)
- Joha Rice
- Boka Chaul
- Muga Silk
- Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger
- Tezpur Litchi
- Kaji Nemu
- Chokuwa Rice
- Gamosa
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- Type of Protection: It acts as a legal right to protect the product’s quality and reputation based on its origin.
- Legal Framework
- International Recognition: GI tags are accepted under global agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement.
- Types of Products
- Wide Range: GI tags apply to various products like food items, agricultural products, wines, handicrafts, and more.
- Specific Qualities: The product must have unique qualities or characteristics tied to its region.
Benefits of a GI Tag
- Prevents Misuse: It stops others from using the label for products that don’t meet the set standards.
- Exclusive Use: Only authorised producers can use the GI tag for their products.
- Protection from Copying: Protects against imitation or fake versions of the product.
- Legal Action: Producers can take legal steps against anyone violating their GI rights.
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- Origin: The Boro (or Bodo) is an ethnolinguistic group from Assam, India.
- Geographical Spread: They live mainly in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam but are also present in other districts of Assam and Meghalaya.
Recognition and Language
- Scheduled Tribe Status: Listed as “Boro” and “Borokachari” in The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
- Boro Language: A Boro-Garo language of the Tibeto-Burman family, recognized as one of India’s 22 Scheduled languages.
- Bilingualism: Most Boros speak Assamese as a second language.
Historical Background
- Prehistoric Settlers: The Boro and other Bodo-Kachari groups migrated over 3,000 years ago.
- Occupation: Primarily settled farmers with traditional irrigation systems called “dong.”
Special Status
- Plains Tribe: Recognized under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Autonomous Region: They have special powers in the Bodoland Territorial Region.
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October 4, 2024
