European Commission grants GI tag for Himachal’s Kangra tea

European Commission grants GI tag for Himachal’s Kangra tea

Subject: Geography

Section: Places in news

Context: European Commission (EC) has granted protected geographical indication (PGI) for India’s unique Kangra tea, which is grown in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district.

Kangra Tea:

• It is a type of tea produced in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
• It is a high-quality tea that is known for its unique flavour, aroma, and colour.
• It is made from the leaves, buds, and tender stems of the Camellia sinensis species cultivated in the Kangra valley.
• Black tea and green tea have both been cultivated in the Kangra Valley.
• In India, Kangra tea received the Geographical Indication (GI) designation in 2005.
• Features:
  • Kangra tea leaves are narrow and have a multi-stemmed frame.
  • Green tea has a subtle woody aroma, while black tea has a sweet, lasting aftertaste.
  • It has a light colour and a high body in liquor.
• The climate, the characteristic terrain and soil conditions, and the coolness of the snow-clad mountains in the Kangra region all play a role in crafting a delightfully distinct cup of quality tea.
• Being one of India’s smallest tea regions makes Kangra green and black teas all the more exclusive.
• Kangra tea is not only popular among tea lovers in India but is also exported to countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States. The tea has also been recognized for its health benefits, including its antioxidant properties and potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

European Commission’s Protected Geographical Indication:

• The European Commission’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a system of geographical indications used throughout the European Union (EU) to protect the names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs.
• PGI is one of three main categories of geographical indications recognized by the European Union, alongside Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG).
• The main difference between PGI and PDO is that PGI requires that only one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the defined geographic area, while PDO requires all stages of production to take place in the defined geographic area.
• The PGI system was established to protect and promote the reputation of specific regional products, and to support the economic development of rural areas by encouraging the production of high-quality, distinctive products.
• Objectives of the protection
  • the promotion of products with specific characteristics, particularly those coming from less-favoured or rural areas;
  • the improvement of the income of farmers, in return for a “genuine effort to improve quality”;
  • the retention of population in rural areas;
  • the provision of clear and succinct information to consumers regarding product origin.