SHIMLA: Kangra Tea has got GI Tag that has made it India's second protected Geographical Indication(GI) product now saleable in European Union countries, reveals Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today.
He said that GI registration is crucial to recognize the quality, genuineness and reputation of the product in the European markets.
He said that GI Tag for Kangra Tea will boots sale of Kangra tea as it has received international recognition benefiting the Kangra tea growers of Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra and Dharamshala in Kangra district, Jogindernagar of Mandi district and Bhattiyat area of Chamba district.
Kangra tea was known for its unique taste and fragrance, attributed to its abundant pyrazine contents.
Additionally, it also possesses medicinal values due to antioxidants, phenolic compounds, tryptophan, amino acids, theanine glutamine and catechin.
"Kangra tea was given GI status in the year 2005 by the Registrar of Geographical Indicators Chennai and now after registration with EU, the sale of Kangra tea is expected to grow benefitting the Kangra tea growers of the State '', said CM.
During the British era, Kangra tea was exported to European markets and because of its quality it has bagged various awards from the markets of Amsterdam and London between the years 1886 to 1895.
However, without a registration certificate, selling Kangra tea in European markets was not possible until now. But now its registration opens up opportunities for Kangra tea in European markets as well.
Sh. Sukhu said that the present State Government was committed to preserve the traditional products of the State.
It has launched various initiatives to benefit the local artisans and weavers.
He said that GI status has been given to more than 400 traditional products of the State including Kullu shawl, Chamba Rumal, Kinnaur shawl, Kangra painting, Lahaul woolen socks and gloves etc.
The registration process for GI status for Himachali cap, Sirmauri Loeya, Mandi Sepubari, Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri apple and Kinnauri ornaments was under consideration with the Registrar of Geographical Indication, Chennai, he added.
He lauded the efforts of Himachal Pradesh Science Technology and Environment Council (HIMCOSTE) for completing the tedious process of its registration of Kangra tea with the EU.
He also congratulated Agriculture Department, IHBT Palampur and Kangra Valley Small Tea Planters Association for their contributions towards this achievement.
