An official on Wednesday said that the Bihar government is planning to contact the Centre in order to obtain a GI tag for Mithila’s prized Rohu fish. The state’s fisheries department head, Nishat Ahmed further Said that the government has recruited two experts to examine and present the findings on the Mithila region’s Rohu fish.
He also added that the Rohu fish of the Mithila region, particularly in the regions of Madhubani and Darbhanga is recognized for its flavor. We’ve hired two experts to research and write a complete analysis of the fish.
He also said that they will seek contact with the Union Commerce Ministry for a GI tag for Mithila’s Rohu fish after the report gets completed.
The Mithila region consists of parts of the eastern region of Terai, Nepal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
Ahmed further expressed his thoughts by saying that they are optimistic that the Rohu fish of the Mithila regions will receive a GI tag. Those involved in Rohu fish farming in the region will gain profit from this because they will acquire accessibility to a worldwide marketplace and a new identity. This will have an immediate effect on their earnings.
It must be noted that a petition for renaming ‘Bihar Makhana’ (fox nuts) to ‘Mithila Makhana’ was successfully incorporated by the Geographical Indications Registry. GI status has been granted to Bihar’s, Shahi Litchi, Mughal Paan, and Jardalu Mango.
What is the Geographical Indication (GI) tag
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a form of owning intellectual property, a certification given to certain goods or products from a particular area or state, or country that is unique to a particular geographical region. India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 from 15th September 2003.
