‘Khurma’, ‘Tilkut’ And ‘Balu Shahi’: These Mouth-Watering Bihari Delicacies Are In Race To Get GI Tag

NABARD-Bihar has identified six potential products of the region to be registered under Geographical Indication Tag.

Patna: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has initiated the process to facilitate manufacturers’ and producers’ association seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Khurma, Tilkut and Balu Shahi – widely savored delicacies indigenous to the state of Bihar.’Khurma’ is from Bhojpur,’Tilkut’ is from Gaya and delicious ‘Balu Shahi’ is from Sitamarhi district.

“We are providing assistance to the producers/manufacturers’ associations seeking GI tag for Khurma, Tilkut and Balu Shahi,” Chief General Manager (CGM), NABARD-Bihar, Sunil Kumar told PTI. Kumar said applications for the same will soon be filed by the producers with the GI Registry for these products.

“We are in the process of facilitating registration of producers association who will be applicants for GI registration for these three products,” he said.

Three applications have been recently filed with the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai), seeking a GI tag for Hajipur’s famous ‘Chiniya’ variety of banana, Nalanda’s popular ‘Bawan Buti’ sari tradition and Gaya’s ‘Pattharkatti Stone Craft’ by associations of farmers, weavers and organisations with support from NABARD.

The CGM further said, “NABARD-Bihar has identified six potential products of the region, including the above mentioned three, to be registered under GI. Bihar is a state of tastes, where one can find many delicious food items. NABARD is playing an important role in the GI registration process and post GI initiative including marketing linkages, branding, promotion and has been recognized as one of the first organizations in the country, having GI specific policy and schemes”.

NABARD, under the ministry of Finance, is mandated for providing and regulating credit and other facilities for the promotion and development of agriculture, small scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts and other allied economic activities in rural areas with a view to promote integrated rural development and securing prosperity in rural areas.

“Bhojpur’s Khurma is much liked by foreigners. It is juicy with such sweetness that the taste reaches the heart directly from the tongue. Same is the case with famous Tilkut of Gaya. Tilkut, a unique treat made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is quite popular outside the country also. Balu Shahi a delicacy of village Runni Saidpur in Sitamarhi is also very popular in the country. These products of Bihar must get the GI tag,” said the CGM.

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain items or products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin. Such products with a GI tag are protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Recently, the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) accepted the plea to rename Bihar ‘Makhana’ as Mithila Makhana and also suggested further amendments in the brand logo to better reflect its origins apart from identifying and protecting the product’s GI rights. Other products of Bihar that have already got the GI tag include: Katarni Rice, Jardalu Mango, Shahi Litchi, Magahi Paan and Silao Khaja.