Hilsa gets GI registration
As a nation we have been gratified to witness the GI registration of Jamdani only last year. And this year we have successfully achieved similar recognition for the extremely popular national fish Hilsa.
GI, short for Geographical Indication, is a system of marking products for their particular geographic origin based on heritage and possession of special qualities or reputation.
Simply put, it gets the state a worldwide recognition for its unique products; ensuring good prices in the international market which is ultimately beneficial for the people (directly or indirectly) involved in the trade.
Citing studies, it can be said that buyers pay at least 10-30 percent higher prices for a good GI product. Alternatively a GI registration also means that the consumers will be getting better quality products with every purchase.
The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) publishes a gazette, inviting objections against any GI registration within two months of filing it; if no one opposes then the GI registration is specified.
Similarly the gazette for the Hilsa had been filed in June 1, 2017 without any confrontation from any sides.
The Bangladesh Government hopes to file many more GI registrations in the future, on distinctive local products like Nakshi Kantha, Satranji, Fazli Mango etc.
Hopefully our country would be flooded with many such proud moments in the future.
Photo: LS Archive