Goa’s GI tally rises to 15 with five new certifications | Goa News

Panaji: Goa’s geographical indication (GI) portfolio grew to 15 this week, with the addition of five unique local products, including two varieties of mango — the Goa Hilario (Manghilar or Mangilar/Mangilal) and Mussarat (Monserrate, Musharad). The other three are the Taleigao brinjal, Goa cashew apple (kaju apple), and Korgut, traditional khazan rice variety.Chief minister Pramod Sawant acknowledged that all five of the products that received the GI this year were agricultural items. “These GI tags protect Goa’s indigenous crops, empower farmers, boost agri-horticulture value, and strengthen a self-reliant, prosperous Goa,” he said.TOI reported on Dec 10 that these five items completed the initial scrutiny stages and entered a mandatory 120-day waiting period following their advertisement by the GI authorities.“All required efforts will be taken with the support of the state, central, and other agencies to promote these products as GI products, empower producers, and make the Swayampurna Goem mission a lucrative affair,” Deepak Parab, the state nodal officer for registration of GI, told TOI.Korgut rice, an heirloom paddy variety cultivated primarily in low-lying khazan lands, was valued for its salt tolerance, while the Taleigao brinjal, grown for generations in the village, garnered praise for its texture and taste.The Goa cashew apple is celebrated for its use in traditional feni production and is known for its distinctive flavour and fermentation qualities. The Mussarat and Hilario mangoes, once known mainly within select farming communities, gained renewed interest for their aromatic properties and taste.“We initiated GI for 25 items five years ago, and so far, we accomplished many from that list,” said Levinson Martins, former director of the science and technology department. “We are hopeful that the remainder of the items on the list will also get due recognition from the GI registry. The science and technology department must push for heritage items such as kunbi saree, Goan fish curry, Goan pao bhaji, and other unique items to get a GI tag as well.”“We should preserve these unique items, and the GI tag will ensure that the farmers and producers of these items get their due profits. Efforts must be made to popularise these items among tourists,” he said.Earlier, Goa had secured GI tags for bebinca, Goan khajem, cashew feni, khola chilli, Mancurad mango, Agasaim brinjal, Harmal chilli, myndoli banana, cashew kernel, and seven-ridge okra.