Alibaug White Onion gets GI tag

Recently, the Alibaug white onion was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indication Registry.

About Alibaug White Onion:

=> The special white onions are grown only in the Alibaug area of Maharashtra and are very well known for their medicinal properties.

=> They have an all-white skin and flesh and are not as pungent as yellow varieties or as sweet as red onions.

=> The onions have low pungency, sweet taste, ‘no tear’ factor, low pyruvic acid, high protein, fat, and fiber content, besides high antioxidant compounds.

=> Researchers point out that it may be due to the low sulphur content in the soil of Alibaug taluka.

=> It boosts immunity, helps with insomnia, blood cleaning, blood pressure, and heat-related ailments.

What are GI Tags?

=> GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

=> They are part of the intellectual property rights that come under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.

=> In India, GI registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.

=> They are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.

=> GI registry comes under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.