Manipur govt optimistic of receiving GI tag for Tamenglong orange

IMPHAL | Sept 04, 2020:

The Manipur government is optimistic that the Tamenglong orange (Citrus reticulata), a species of mandarin group and a unique fruit crop found in the state, will get Geographical Indication (GI) certificate.

It may be mentioned that the black rice ' Chakhao' of Manipur has already bagged the GI tag and the government now expects Tamenglong orange to receive the same after 120 days.

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Project director of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA), K Devdutta Sharma, said that the state government is expecting to get a GI Certificate for Tamenglong orange as it has already been notified, adding that Sirarakhong Hathei, a long chilly variety with a unique taste and colour that grows in Sirarakhong village in Ukhrul district has already been approved and it will also be notified soon.

MOMA had applied for the GI tags for Tamenglong orange, Sirarakhong Hathei, Shirui Lily of Ukhrul district and Black Cherry of Senapati district last year, however, Shirui Lily was rejected following changes in GI guidelines, he said.

Tamenglong orange is a species of mandarin group and is a unique fruit crop found only in Tamenglong district, contributing over 50 per cent of the state's annual production.