Arunachal Pradesh government to initiate move for getting GI Registration of Khamti Lahi Rice, Tawang Maize and Adi Ginger

GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh government to initiate move for getting GI Registration of Khamti Lahi Rice, Tawang Maize and Adi Ginger (Kekir) and for other agro-technology practices, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural produces.

Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein and the Vice-Chancellor of Assam Agriculture University (AAU), Jorhat, Prof Ashok Bhattacharya have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for GI Registration of Khamti Lahi Rice, Tawang Maize and Adi Ginger (Kekir) and for other agro-technology practices, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural produces.

Mein said that the Khamti Lahi Rice is known for its uniqueness in terms of its taste, aroma, size, shape, colour and cooking method and sought the technical support and cooperation from the Assam Agriculture University, Jorhat for its cultivation, processing, packaging and marketing and also for its Intellectual Proprietary Right protection like - GI Registration in a proper scientific way for generating employment and as an income source for the people/farmers of the State.


He also sought the help of AAU, Jorhat for GI Registration of Tawang Maize and local Adi Ginger (Kekir) along with Khamti Lahi Rice which are pending for last many years.

Stating the crux of the problem faced by the farmers of the State in processing, packaging and marketing of their local produces, Mein seeks the help of AAU, Jorhat, the premier Institute for Agriculture in North East region for coming up with ideas and suggestions for market opportunity and accessibility.

He further said that North East Region has vast fertile agro-climatic zones ranging from sub-tropical, temperate and alpine zones which are suitable for cultivation of varieties of agricultural and horticultural crops. He opined that with so much potential of the region, it can be transformed into a food bowl of the country with the proper inputs of good quality seeds/planting materials, scientific methods of cultivation, suitable agro-technology practices and post-harvest technology, which an institute like AAU Jorhat can formulate and initiate.

Bhattacharya has agreed in principle to extend all source of cooperation and help to the State Government in getting GI Registration of Khamti Lahi Rice, Tawang Maize and Adi Ginger (Kekir) and other technical supports.