The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA), in collaboration with the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), and the State Horticulture Department organized a state-level workshop on Geographical Indication (GI) awareness and user authorization for farmers on November 26 at the Directorate of Horticulture Office in Kohima.
The event was attended by 80 farmers from Phek and Kohima districts. Entrepreneurs and experts from the region educated and empowered the farmers about the benefits and procedures of obtaining GI tags for their unique local products, with special focus on tree tomato and sweet cucumber.
The workshop was aimed to promote rural development and economic growth by highlighting the importance of GI tagging in enhancing the market value and competitiveness of local products.
Deputy Manager – Marketing, NERAMAC, Hirak Jyoti Baishya shared, “NERAMAC has identified tree tomato and sweet cucumber for GI. We want these niche products to be taken up by farmers and add value to it by encouraging entrepreneurs to bring out innovative products through it.”
The first session of the workshop kicked off with special guest additional director of Agriculture Sanuzo Neinu, who spoke on ‘Post Harvest Management and the Scope of Value Addition to Naga Tree Tomato and Sweet Cucumber.’ He explained the significance of GI tag in detail and stressed that this feature will allow the farmers to take their produce beyond their kitchen and show it to the world.
Guest of honour director of Horticulture Meyashashi, gave an overview of GI and its benefits for the farmers. He explained, “Geographical Identification is a tag or a number given to a product grown in a particular region or village, to identify the origination of the product.” He also shared the unique feature of tree tomatoes and sweet cucumbers and its multiple benefits.
GI registration process with hands on guidance was taken up by Hirak Jyoti. He shared the definition and benefits of GI, along with examples of various GI products from different regions. He also explained the GI registration process to the farmers, making it convenient for them.
The workshop included session titled ‘Role of CBBO and FPCs in GI Promotion and Implementation’ which was conducted by tEA Project Co-ordinator, Imtisenla Longkumer Mero.
The program concluded with an interactive session and handing over of the GI registration forms by tEA and state agricultural officers to NERAMAC.