Guwahati, May 12 (KNN) About 800 framers and entrepreneurs from the North East of India have been authorised to use the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for 13 agricultural products.

The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), under the DoNER Ministry, will forward the 800 user authorisation applications to the Geographical Indication Registry, Chennai, reported East Mojo.

NERAMAC Managing Director Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd) said on Thursday that the initiative is a significant step towards promoting and protecting the traditional agricultural practices and products of the NER region.

“The initiative will provide recognition to the unique qualities and reputation of NER agricultural products and protect them from misuse and imitation,” he said.

Ashok opined that the authorisation process of farmers will enhance the competitiveness of the farmers in domestic and international markets.

It will create opportunities for increased income and livelihood, he said.

The 13 produces are Arunachal Orange, Tezpur Litchi and Karbi Anglong Ginger of Assam, Kachai Lemon and Chak-Hao’ Black Rice of Manipur, Khasi Mandarin orange and Memang Narang orange of Meghalaya, Mizo Chilli of Mizoram, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber of Nagaland, Queen Pineapple of Tripura and Sikkim Large Cardamom and Dalle Khursani chilli of Sikkim.  (KNN Bureau)