State starts process to get GI tag for 3 Goan mango types

Panaji: The Goa state council for science and technology has filed an application for the registration of Geographical Indication (GI) for the Goa Mankur (Mankurad) mango variant and is presently working on obtaining similar status for the Mangelar and Mussarat mango varieties.
A GI tag protects the produce from being illegally used and ensures benefits to the community of local growers.
The department is also in the process of forming an association of mango producers and local sellers. For this, it has called for a meeting with farmers presently involved in the production of these three mango variants. “Considering the ongoing Covid-19 SOPs and depending on the response we receive, the meeting may be offline or online to elect an adhoc committee to initiate the required process for filling GI application. In view of the same, concerned farmers, along with local traders, may please furnish their names through SMS/WhatsApp or call the project in-charge, Deepak Parab, on 983453931 so that they can be involved in the process of association formation,” a statement issued by the department read.
The department said the association will be open for membership and after completion of one year, a regular committee will be elected at a special annual general meeting to take the GI process further.