Manipur’s Tamenglong Oranges and Hathei Chilli Get GI Tag

The Tamenglong orange, a species of the mandarin family, and Hathei, a chilli variation, have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status by the government. 

Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh confirmed this in a tweet on Friday, writing: “What a great start to the day for Manipur!” I'm happy to share that two (two) Manipur products, Hathei Chilly and Tamenglong Orange, have been given the GI tag.” 

“This is a defining moment in Manipur's history, and it will significantly boost farmer income,” he added. 

In 2019, the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (Moma) applied for Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the Tamenglong orange and the Sirarakhong Hathei chilli. The GI certifications would be provided soon, according to Moma project director K Debdutta Sharma. 

Tamenglong oranges are grown in Tamenglong district, which accounts for more than half of Manipur's yearly orange production. It is well-known for its sweetness and acidity. 

In the Ukhrul district's Sirarakhong hamlet, the Hathei chilli flourishes. 

For more than a decade, Manipur has promoted these two products by holding the Orange Event in December and the Sirarakhong Hathei festival in August. 

What Is A GI Tag, Exactly? 

The geographical origin of a product is indicated by a GI tag. Foods, handicrafts, industrial items, wine and spirits, and agricultural products all receive them. 

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 mandates the use of GI tags. They are granted by the Geographical Indication Registry, which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade. 

Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive a GI label in 2004–05. Since then, the list has grown to include over 365 items, including Kashmir Pashmina, Kerala's Aranmula Kannadi, Mizo Chilli, and Makrana Marble. 

Last year, Manipur’s Black Rice ‘Chakhao’ also got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Check all the details here.