Eight Traditional Products of Assam’s Bodo Tribe Granted GI Tag

Eight Traditional Products of Assam’s Bodo Tribe Granted GI Tag

Sub: Sci

Sec: IPR

Why in News

The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai has granted GI tags to eight traditional products from Assam. This includes food items and traditional rice beer varieties produced by the Bodo tribe, marking a significant recognition of their cultural heritage.

Eight GI-Tagged Products

Traditional Rice Beer Varieties: The Bodo Traditional Brewers Association applied for GI tags for three unique varieties of rice beer made by the Bodo community. These include:

Bodo Jou Gwran: Contains the highest alcohol content among Bodo rice beers, around 16.11%.

Maibra Jou Bidwi (Maibra Jwu/Zwu Bidwi): Served as a traditional welcome drink by Bodo tribes. Prepared by fermenting half-cooked rice with minimal water, using ‘amao’ (a yeast source) to aid fermentation.

Bodo Jou Gishi: Another rice-based alcoholic beverage, traditionally fermented. Believed to have originated from Lord Shiva, and often consumed as a medicinal drink by the Bodo people.

Other GI-Tagged Products

Bodo Napham: A fermented fish dish, integral to Bodo cuisine, recognized with a GI tag.

Bodo Ondla: A rice powder curry flavored with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali. Known for its unique flavor profile, this dish is another hallmark of Bodo culinary tradition.

Bodo Gwkha (Gwka Gwkhi): This dish is central to the Bwisagu festival, a major cultural event for the Bodo people. The GI tag underscores its cultural significance.

Bodo Narzi: A semi-fermented food prepared with jute leaves (Corchorus capsularis). Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it a highly nutritious dish.

Bodo Aronai: A beautifully woven cloth, traditionally produced by Bodo weavers. It represents the textile heritage of the community and is often worn during important cultural occasions.

What are GI Tags?

GI tags are intellectual property rights granted by, Geographical Indications Registry.

GI tags have a duration, typically renewable after a certain period (e.g., every 10 years) to maintain their validity and protection.

They indicate the specific geographical origin of a product. GI tags protect the product’s unique qualities linked to its region.

Once granted, the GI tag is used as a label to certify the product’s authenticity and origin.

Who provides GI Tags and under what law?

GI tags are provided by the Geographical Indications Registry, located in Chennai, India.

The registry operates under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Importance of GI Tags for Cultural Preservation: GI tags are instrumental in preserving the heritage and uniqueness of traditional products. They provide legal protection to the producers, help in promoting local economies, and boost rural tourism.

About Bodo Tribe: Believed to have arrived from Tibet through Bhutan passes, the Bodo community is one of the earliest settlers in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. The Bodos are the largest minority in Assam.

Cultural Richness: Known for their rich culture, including traditional dance, music, and religious practices, with Bathouism being a significant belief system.

Historically used the Roman and Assamese scripts, now the community has adopted the Nagari script.

Fond of their conventional rice beer called Zu mai.

Baishagu, celebrated annually in April, is their primary festival.