Gobindobhog variety is a short grain, white, aromatic, sticky rice having a sweet buttery flavor.
Derives its name from its use as principal ingredient in offerings to Govindajiu, the family deity of Setts of Kolkata.
Regions of Cultivation
Primarily cultivated in east Burdwan district - in southern basin of Damodar River in Raina 1, Raina 2, and Khandaghosh blocks.
Burdwan region (now divided into districts of east and west Burdwan) is the rice bowl of Bengal.
Advantages
Unique taste and aroma
Cultivated late and therefore not much affected by rains
High productivity per acre
Farmers get best prices for Gobindobhog rice
Less prone to pests
Significance of GI Tag
GI tag signifies that rice from other regions or varieties cannot be branded as Gobindobhog strengthening marketability of this rice in the local, national and international markets.
What is Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
GI tag is put on products with unique geographical origin over centuries
Such products must have special quality or reputation attributes.
Marks authenticity and ensures registered authorized users get benefit of popular product name.
Covered as an element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
GI is governed by WTO՚s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) at International level.
GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India, which came into force in September 2003.
Granted by Chennai based GIR.
Darjeeling tea was first product given GI tag in India.
Benefits of GI Status
Legal protection to the products
Prevents unauthorized use of a GI tag products
Helps consumers get quality products of desired traits
Promotes producers of GI tag goods by enhancing demand in national and international markets.