Cashew Feni of Goa gets GI tag

Q Why is it in News ?

A Recently, the Goa government’s Feni Policy 2021 has paved the way to take the GI (Geographical Indication) Certified Goan Cashew Feni forward at par with other international Liquors such as Mexico’s tequila, Japanese Sake and Russia’s Vodka.

• The Goa government in 2016 classified Feni as the Heritage Spirit of Goa.

Q What is specific about Cashew Feni ?

A 

• It is the first liquor product in the country to obtain ‘Heritage Drink’ status and got its GI certification in 2000. Only the cashew feni has been GI-tagged.
• Feni is a brew made from coconut or cashew fruits and is synonymous with the Goan ethos and identity.
• Feni was first manufactured in Goa in the 1600s, after the Portuguese imported the cashew plant from Brazil to India. There are currently 26 varieties of feni manufactured in Goa.
• It is used in various cultural traditions, cuisines and is well known for its medicinal value also.
• Other GI-Tags from Goa
  • Khola red chilies/Canacona Chillies, spicy Harmal Chillies, Myndoli Banana or Moira Banana, and traditional sweet dish Goan Khaje.

Q What is Geographical Indication (GI) Certification ?

A 

• Geographical Indication (GI) Certification:
  • GI is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.
    • It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods.
  • The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
  • It is also a part of the World Trade Organisation’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
  • Administered By:
    • The Controller General of Patents, Designs and TradeMarks- who is the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
      • The Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.

Q For how much time GI registration is valid ?

A 

• Validity of Registration:
  • The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.
  • It can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.