Daily Current Affairs : 12-October-2023

Cashew, a prized commodity in today’s culinary world, has a rich history rooted in the sandy soils of Goa, India. Originating from northeast Brazil in Latin America, it found its way to Goa in the 16th century, courtesy of the Portuguese. Initially, it was primarily seen as a means for afforestation and soil conservation. However, an interesting turn of events in the mid-18th century unveiled its economic potential. Goan prisoners, exiled to Portuguese-held Mozambique during Goa’s freedom movement, stumbled upon the cashew’s value, leading to the establishment of the first cashew factory in Goa in 1926.

Goa’s Cashew Legacy: A Pioneering Industry

The subsequent years witnessed an unprecedented surge in the cashew processing industry. By 1961, cashew processing accounted for a significant 60 percent of industrial production in Goa. The import of cashew nuts from Portuguese East Africa spurred the growth, encouraging the establishment of factories in Goa due to favorable conditions such as lower import duties, port dues, and operational expenses. This thriving industry not only enriched the region economically but also became an integral part of Goan identity.

The Significance of the GI Tag for Goan Cashew

Recently, Goan cashew received the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, an official recognition of its unique qualities. This recognition serves as a testament to Goan cashew’s distinctive taste, organic nature, and unparalleled flavor. But what does this GI tag mean for Goa’s cashew industry?

Differentiating Authenticity with GI Tag

The GI tag acts as a powerful tool to differentiate between authentic Goan cashews and those sourced from other regions, often misleadingly marketed as ‘Goan cashews’. Goan cashew products bearing the GI logo assure consumers of their authenticity and quality.

Boosting Export Potential

In the global market, the GI tag serves as a hallmark of quality and authenticity. With the GI tag, Goan cashews can tap into international markets more effectively, securing a niche for themselves and enhancing their export potential.

Understanding Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

What is a GI Tag?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a recognition given to products that originate from a specific geographical region, embodying unique characteristics and qualities. Essentially, it serves as a trademark, protecting the product in the international market.

GI Tag in India: Legal Protection and Economic Prosperity

In India, the GI tag is bestowed by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, operating under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The tag, valid for 10 years and renewable, not only prevents unauthorized use of a registered geographical indication but also promotes the economic well-being of producers in the designated geographical area.

Important Points:

  • Goan Cashew’s Historical Roots:
    • Originated in northeast Brazil and introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
    • Initially used for afforestation and soil conservation purposes.
    • Discovered for its economic value by Goan prisoners in Portuguese-held Mozambique during Goa’s freedom movement.
  • Rapid Growth of Cashew Industry:
    • First cashew factory in Goa established in 1926.
    • Cashew processing industry accounted for 60 percent of industrial production in Goa by 1961.
    • Import of cashew nuts from Portuguese East Africa led to the establishment of factories in Goa due to favorable conditions.
  • Significance of GI Tag for Goan Cashew:
    • Differentiating Authenticity:
      • GI tag helps consumers distinguish between authentic Goan cashews and others falsely marketed as ‘Goan cashews’.
      • Products with GI logo assure authenticity and quality to consumers.
    • Boosting Export Potential:
      • GI tag enhances Goan cashews’ credibility in international markets.
      • Opens doors to global markets, increasing export potential.
  • Understanding Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
    • What is a GI Tag?
      • A recognition given to products originating from specific geographical regions, signifying unique characteristics.
      • Acts as a trademark, protecting products in the international market.
    • GI Tag in India:
      • Conferred by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
      • Provides legal protection for registered geographical indications.
      • Promotes economic prosperity for producers in the designated geographical area.
      • Valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
Why In News

Recently, the geographical indication (GI) tag was proudly granted to the Goan cashew (kernel), renowned for its organic nature and delightful sweetness, coupled with a unique flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. This recognition highlights Goan cashew’s exceptional quality, making it a prized culinary gem. Its distinctiveness not only showcases the rich agricultural heritage of Goa but also signifies a significant milestone in preserving and promoting indigenous varieties, ensuring a legacy of delectable cashew products for generations to come.

MCQs about Goan Cashew

  1. What is the significance of the GI tag for Goan cashew?
    A. It enhances the color of cashew kernels.
    B. It helps consumers differentiate between authentic Goan cashews and others falsely marketed as ‘Goan cashews’.
    C. It reduces the cost of cashew production.
    D. It increases the shelf life of cashew products.
  2. What does the GI tag signify for a product?
    A. It indicates the product’s weight.
    B. It signifies unique characteristics and qualities of the product from a specific geographical region.
    C. It denotes the manufacturing date of the product.
    D. It represents the product’s price in the market.
  3. How does the GI tag benefit producers in the designated geographical area?
    A. It reduces competition from other regions.
    B. It promotes economic prosperity by safeguarding the authenticity of products.
    C. It limits the production of the designated product.
    D. It increases taxes for the producers.
  4. What role did Goan prisoners play in the discovery of cashew’s economic value in Goa?
    A. They introduced cashew to Goa.
    B. They used cashew for afforestation purposes.
    C. They discovered cashew’s economic potential during Goa’s freedom movement in Mozambique.
    D. They established the first cashew factory in Goa.

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