Tamil Nadu`s Cumbum grapes get GI tag
Tamil Nadu`s well-known Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum grapes, recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) designation. The Panneer Thratchai or Muscat Hamburg variety, which makes up around 85% of the grape-growing regions in Tamil Nadu, is cultivated in the Cumbum valley in Tamil Nadu, which is referred to as the "Grapes City of South India."
Health Benefits:
- The Panneer grapes were first introduced in Tamil Nadu by a French priest in 1832.
- These grapes are rich in vitamins, tartaric acid, and antioxidants, reducing the risk of some chronic diseases.
- They are also known for their superior taste.
Benefits of Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a form of intellectual property right that indicates the origin and quality of a product that is produced in a specific geographic region. The primary objective of a GI tag is to protect the traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and reputation of the product, as well as to promote its economic value. Some of the benefits of having a GI tag are:
- Protection against imitation and misuse: A GI tag ensures that the product produced in a specific region is protected against imitation and misuse. It prevents others from using the name of the product or the region to promote their products and protects the reputation and authenticity of the product.
- Quality assurance: A GI tag provides an assurance of the quality and authenticity of the product to the consumers. It ensures that the product is produced using traditional methods and adheres to certain quality standards.
- Increased marketability: A GI tag increases the marketability of the product by giving it a unique identity and making it more attractive to consumers. It also opens up new marketing opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
- Economic benefits: A GI tag can contribute to the economic development of a region by promoting tourism, generating employment opportunities, and increasing the income of local communities.
- Preservation of traditional knowledge: A GI tag helps to preserve the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with the product. It also encourages the use of traditional methods and practices, which are often more sustainable and eco-friendly.
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Kerala launches ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ to revive sports culture
In order to revitalise the sports culture in the state, the Keralan government launched a programme that included building top-notch playgrounds in each panchayat. Kerala`s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, unveiled the "One Panchayat, One Playground" initiative at Kallikkad. He emphasised the value of a vibrant sports culture in cultivating a vibrant and contented community during the inauguration.
About The ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’:
The Chief Minister announced that the playgrounds will be constructed within three years, with a list of 113 panchayats identified for the initial phase of the project. Each playground is expected to cost around Rs. one crore. The Sports Department will cover half of the cost, while the remaining funds will be raised through various sources such as MLA and local body funds, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and public-private partnerships.
Objective of the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project:
According to the Chief Minister, the playgrounds will serve as a central point for community gatherings and social interactions, which is the primary objective of the ‘One Panchayat, One Playground’ project. The initiative aims to tackle the lack of quality playgrounds in approximately 450 local bodies across the state.
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