What are the links between the green cardamom from Coorg, sannam chillies from Guntur, malabar pepper from Kerala?
They are a series of Indian spices that might soon get geographic indication status globally?
But what is the GI status?
A GI is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that place of origin. Most commonly, a GI comprises the name of the place of origin of the goods.
Agricultural products typically have qualities that derive from their place of production and are influenced by specific local factors such as climate and soil.
The Spices Board of India has filed applications for GI registration for Malabar and Tellicherry pepper, Alleppey green cardamom, Coorg green cardamom and Sannam chillies.
Officials said the applications have been before the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Chennai.
Once GI registration is granted to these spices, producers from other regions and countries will not be able to use the names like Malabar pepper, Coorg green cardamom etc.