Arunachal Pradesh government and Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat, on May 27 agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for getting GI registration of Khamti Lahi Rice, Tawang Maize and Adi Ginger (Kekir) and for other agro-technology practices, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural produces.
The decision was taken at a meeting convened by Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein via video-conferencing with Vice-Chancellor of AAU Ashok Bhattacharya.
During the meeting, Mein said that the Khamti Lahi Rice is known for its uniqueness in terms of its taste, aroma, size, shape, colour and cooking method and sought the technical support and cooperation from AAU for its cultivation, processing, packaging and marketing and also for its Intellectual Property Rights protection like – GI registration in a proper scientific way for generating employment and as an income source for the people/farmers of the state.
He also sought help for GI registration of Tawang Maize and local Adi Ginger (Kekir) along with Khamti Lahi Rice which are pending for last many years.
Stating the crux of the problem faced by the farmers of the state in processing, packaging and marketing of their local produces, Mein sought help of the premier institute for agriculture in the region for coming up with ideas and suggestions for market opportunity and accessibility.
Bhattacharya has agreed in-principle to extend all source of cooperation and help to the state government in getting GI registration of Khamti Lahi Rice, Tawang Maize and Adi Ginger (Kekir) and other technical supports.
