Push for GI tag on eight Malda products gains momentum

In a significant step towards boosting Malda’s economy and preserving its unique heritage, additional district magistrate (development) Anindya Sarkar on Monday convened a meeting with stakeholders and line departments to expedite the process of securing geographical indication (GI) tags for eight products of the district.

The meeting, held at the district headquarters, brought together representatives from the agriculture and horticulture departments, the district industrial centre, and the Malda Mango Merchants’ Association, along with other traders’ bodies. The district mass education extension officer, who also heads the District Science, Technology and Biotechnology Cell, coordinated the session.

Advertisement

According to official sources, the district administration has resolved to initiate formal applications for GI recognition through respective line departments. The administration will also approach the state council of science and technology to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities at the state and national level.

For several years, traders’ bodies and farmer groups have been pressing for GI status for Malda’s traditional produce, arguing that such recognition would safeguard their identity, enhance market value, and secure the livelihood of producers. Responding to these demands, the administration has now taken up the matter in earnest.

The eight products Identified for GI registration include pulses such as ‘sona moong’ and ‘maskalai’; mango varieties langra and ashwina; sweets like rasakadambo and kansat; and two varieties of brinjal from Nawabganj in Old Malda and Ashapur in Chanchal.

Welcoming the move, Ujjal Saha, president of the Malda Mango Merchants’ Association, said, “We have long been demanding GI registration for Malda’s iconic products, particularly its mangoes. This will not only strengthen the district’s economy but also generate fresh avenues of employment. If Malda’s Langra mango secures the GI tag, it will be a milestone for the region.”

The district administration has assured stakeholders that the application process will be expedited so that Malda’s famed produce can soon find its rightful place on the global map.