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Context

• The Goa government’s Feni Policy has paved the way to take the state’s ‘heritage drink’ forward - Goa Cashew Feni Distillers and Bottlers Association (GCFDBA).
• The Policy lays down the standards for the production, techniques, quality and hygiene for making of feni and lists local terminology like Bhaticar (distiller), Pantlo (cane basket to collect cashew fruit)and Pinjrem (a metal cage like unit to extract juices).

About

• Feni is a traditional liquor distilled from the fermented juice of cashew apples.
• The two popular types of Feni Goa is known for are- Coconut Feni and Cashew Feni.
• In terms of production, Coconut Feni is older than Cashew Feni.
• Feni is a part of Goa food tradition from the last 400 years.
• It also got the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate in 2009.
• In 2016, the Goan government declared it as a heritage drink.
• It is also used as a cure for tooth problems, gum issues, swelling and some types of mouth ulcers.
• Feni is used for combating cough and cold.

About GI Tag

• A geographical indication or GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
• This tag is valid for a period of 10 yearsfollowing which it can be renewed.
• GI tags are covered under World Trade Organization.
• Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• It is basically an assurance that the product is coming from that specific area. It's kind of trademark in the international market.
• Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags i.e. 47products followed by Tamil Nadu (39).

Benefits of registration of Geographical Indications

• It confers legal protection to Geographical Indications in India
• Prevents unauthorised use of a Registered Geographical Indication by others
• It provides legal protection to Indian Geographical Indications which in turn boost exports.
• It promotes economic prosperity of producers of goods produced in a geographical territory.

How a geographical indication is different from a trade mark?

• A trade mark is a sign which is used in the course of trade and it distinguishes goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises.
• Whereas a geographical indication is an indication used to identify goods having special characteristics originating from a definite geographical territory.

To read about to complete list of GI Tags, Visit: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/complete-list-of-geographical-indications-gi-tags-in-india-as-of-2021

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1758962

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