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Context: Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Meghalaya's Lakadong turmeric, along with other traditional products such as Garo Dakmanda (traditional dress), Larnai pottery, and Garo Chubitchi (alcoholic beverage).

Lakadong Turmeric

• Lakadong turmeric has been granted the GI tag. A GI tag is a form of intellectual property rights that recognizes and protects products associated with a particular geographical origin and possesses qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin.
• Lakadong turmeric is specifically from the Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya.
• This variety of turmeric is considered one of the best globally, known for its high curcumin content (around 6.8 to 7.5 per cent). It has a darker colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilizers.
• The GI tag is expected to aid farmers in marketing and provide customers with access to an authentic product. It serves as a unique selling point and can contribute to fetching better market prices for the farmers.

Other Products Awarded GI Tags

• Garo Dakmanda: This is a handwoven ankle-length lower garment and is part of the traditional attire of Garo women in Meghalaya.
• Garo Chubitchi: This is an alcoholic beverage consumed by the Garo community during feasts and ceremonies. It is a rice-based fermented drink.
• Larnai Pottery: This type of pottery is made of black clay from Larnai village. The art form has been passed down through generations.

Significance and Impact

• The GI tags for these products aim to enhance their market competitiveness, both domestically and internationally.
• The recognition is expected to create more livelihood opportunities for the farmers and artisans associated with these products.
• The acknowledgement of Lakadong turmeric's high quality and unique characteristics through the GI tag is likely to boost its popularity and demand in the market.

Conclusion

• The award of GI tags to these traditional products aims to protect their unique qualities, promote authenticity, and provide economic benefits to the farmers and artisans associated with their production.

Must Read Articles:

National Turmeric Board: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-turmeric-board

Turmeric Supplements: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/turmeric-supplements

GI List Updated: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/gi-list-updated

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