SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh’s unique Kangra tea is now the second product of India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) registration with the European Union (EU), paving the way for its sale in European countries.
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the registration is an important tool to recognize the quality, genuineness and reputation of the product in European markets, calling it a boon for the sale of Kangra tea that will benefit the growers of Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra, and Dharamshala in Kangra district, Jogindernagar in Mandi district, and Bhattiyat area of Chamba district.
Sukhu said Kangra tea received GI status in 2005 from the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai, and after registration with the EU, its sale is expected to grow.
During the British era, Kangra tea was exported to European markets and bagged various awards from the markets of Amsterdam and London, from 1886 to 1895.
However, presently, without a registration certificate, selling Kangra tea in European markets was not possible.
Suku said his government is committed to preserving the traditional products of the state and, that, they have launched various initiatives to benefit local artisans and weavers.
He lauded the efforts of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) for completing the tedious process of registration of Kangra tea with the EU and congratulated the agriculture department, IHBT, Palampur, and Kangra Valley Small Tea Planters Association over their contributions towards this achievement.
The registration process for GI status for Himachali cap, Sirmauri Loeya, Mandi Sepu Badi, Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri apple, and Kinnauri ornaments is under consideration, Suku said.
He said more than 400 traditional products of the state, including Kullu shawl and Kangra painting, have received the GI tag from the registry at Chennai.
Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the registration is an important tool to recognize the quality, genuineness and reputation of the product in European markets, calling it a boon for the sale of Kangra tea that will benefit the growers of Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra, and Dharamshala in Kangra district, Jogindernagar in Mandi district, and Bhattiyat area of Chamba district.
Sukhu said Kangra tea received GI status in 2005 from the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Chennai, and after registration with the EU, its sale is expected to grow.
During the British era, Kangra tea was exported to European markets and bagged various awards from the markets of Amsterdam and London, from 1886 to 1895.
However, presently, without a registration certificate, selling Kangra tea in European markets was not possible.
Suku said his government is committed to preserving the traditional products of the state and, that, they have launched various initiatives to benefit local artisans and weavers.
He lauded the efforts of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment (HIMCOSTE) for completing the tedious process of registration of Kangra tea with the EU and congratulated the agriculture department, IHBT, Palampur, and Kangra Valley Small Tea Planters Association over their contributions towards this achievement.
The registration process for GI status for Himachali cap, Sirmauri Loeya, Mandi Sepu Badi, Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri apple, and Kinnauri ornaments is under consideration, Suku said.
He said more than 400 traditional products of the state, including Kullu shawl and Kangra painting, have received the GI tag from the registry at Chennai.