Agartala May 26: Under the initiative of the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) under Ministry of DONER, Government of India a Geographical Indication (GI) Awareness Seminar was held on Friday at the Pragna Bhavan, Agartala.

Notably, the NERAMAC had undertaken Geographical Indication (GI) certification of 13 products of the North Eastern region of which the Tripura Queen Pineapple is one.

The prime focus of the day’s event was to user authorize 300 farmers to use GI tagging of the NERAMAC processed certification.

Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath presided over the program in presence of other dignitaries.

Addressing the seminar, the agriculture minister said, “With majority of the population in India dependent on agriculture and farming, the central and state government under the visionary leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi is thriving for the overall development of the farmers”.

“Doubling the income of the farmers and building up a self-reliant or Atmanirbhar Bharat, the central government has taken several decisions for welfare of the farmers”.

Agriculture Minister Tripura also shared that the GI initiative is part of the government of India’s broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, protect the rights of farmers, and enhance the country's agricultural exports.

 Nath said, “The initiative has been welcomed by the farming community of Tripura and is expected to boost their morale and confidence in the traditional farming practices”.

Apart from that, for the first time in the state’s history a GI expert also visited Tripura. The state agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath thanked Dr. Rajni Kant Dwivedi, a renowned GI expert and Padmashri Awardee for visiting the state.

Dr. Rajni Kant Dwivedi spoke about the importance of North Eastern Region (NER) specific Geographical Indication (GI) products and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to promote NER region-specific GI products.

Dr. Dwivedi's insights shed light on the importance of promoting and protecting NER region-specific GI products which not only protect the unique identity and quality of the products but also create employment opportunities for local communities.

In his address to more than 200 pineapple farmers who attended the seminar on Friday, Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd), Managing Director NERAMAC, expressed that the GI 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 the Tripura Queen Pineapple and protect it from misuse and imitation”, he said.

He also explained how the authorization process of farmers would enhance the competitiveness of the produce in domestic and international markets and create opportunities for increased income and livelihood.

Apurba Roy, Secretary, Agriculture department among others also remained present at the day’s seminar.