PANAJI: The spicy Harmal chilli, coconut vinegar used in delicacies like Goan xacuti and vindaloo, Myndoli bananas used for making halwa and Goan khaje without which no feasts or zatras can be celebrated are on their way to getting Geographical Indication (GI) tags with the State government filing applications with GI Registry, Chennai to obtain GI for these products. After obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tags for feni and Khola chilli, State government has now applied for GI tags for Harmal chilli, coconut vinegar, Goan khaje and Myndoli banana. The consultative group meeting to hear the applications on February 5 in Mumbai. Speaking to GT, State Nodal Officer for GI Promotion Deepak Parab said, “Once GI tag is obtained for a particular item, the producer can sell his product with the GI tag which ascertains that the product has been grown within a specific territory and is of a specific quality.” As far as the Harmal chilli is concerned, an association of the cultivators - Harmal-Pernem Chilli Growers Association - has already been formed which currently has nearly 120 members. “We are in the process of identifying the producers of coconut vinegar, Goan khaje and Myndoli banana so that associations of the producers can be formed. The association will check whether the cultivators are growing the product in an authentic manner and only then they would be allowed to become members of the association,” informed Parab. Parab informed that along with the officials, two producers of each product will attend the meeting. “We will defend the proposal with climatic and geographical conditions and traditional practices with respect to uniqueness of the product. During the meeting, experts will seek clarity on the produce based on which the GI tag would be awarded,” said Parab.
GI tags for four items
Harmal Chilli
- Grown only in Harmal village and adjacent areas of Pernem taluka
- Known for its high level of pungency
- Skin texture is not wrinkled
- Longer shelf life
l Myndoli Banana
- Grown in parts of Pernem, Bicholim and Bardez
- Long and hard in consistency
- Longer shelf life
- Fetches higher price
l Coconut vinegar
- Extensively used as preservative and flavouring agent in pickles, salads, sauces, etc
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- Healthier alternative to synthetic vinegar - Long keeping quality
l Goan khaje
- Unique to Goa
- Many families produce khaje traditionally
- Longer shelf life without preservatives
- Sold at feasts or zatras