An interesting debate was witnessed in the Bihar Assembly regarding the identification and preservation of local food items. When the demand for giving GI tag to Barh’s famous ‘Khobi Ki Lai’ was raised, the discussion spread to other traditional food items of the state. Now the testing and display of these food items is going to happen at the Vasant Utsav exhibition on 25th February, after which the GI process can proceed.
Has a new trend of ‘Food Audition’ started in Bihar?
After the discussion in the Assembly, now the cultural heritage there will not be limited only to the pages of history, but it will reach new heights in the global market through GI Tag. The discussion that started in the Bihar Assembly regarding ‘Khobi Ki Lai’ has taken such a turn that there is a race to get GI tag tagging for specific food items in every district of the state.
Why did Vasant Utsav become a ‘food testing lab’?
From the Speaker of the Assembly to the Deputy Chief Minister, everyone has advocated the famous dishes of their respective regions. The ‘Vasant Utsav’ to be held on 25th February will prove to be the first big step in this direction, where the quality and historicity of these products will be tested.
How did the GI tag debate start with Khobi ki Lai?
In the Assembly, MLA Dr. Siyaram Singh demanded that Barh’s ‘Khobi ki Lai’ be given GI tag, calling it not just a sweet but also the cultural identity of the region. He said that it is a symbol of tradition, taste and local craftsmanship, which should be recognized at the national level.
Is Gaya’s Tilkut also in the race for GI tag?
Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar broadened the issue and suggested including Gaya’s famous Tilkut and other traditional food items as well. He said that these food items will be tested and presented in the Vasant Utsav exhibition organized on February 25, after which the initiative will be taken for the GI tag process.
From Tilkut to Rasgulla – Honorable people advocated their choice.
The discussion became more interesting when Assembly Speaker Dr. Prem Kumar talked about including the world famous Tilkut of Gaya ji in this list. At the same time, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in a light-hearted manner advocated the famous Rasgullas of Barhiya of Lakhisarai. He quipped that ministers often taste these sweets, but lag behind in getting them government recognition. Amidst this atmosphere full of laughter and fun, it was decided that exhibition and testing of various food items of Bihar would be done in the Vasant Utsav organized by the Assembly Speaker on 25th February.
What is GI tag and why is it important for Bihar?
GI tag i.e. ‘Geographical Indication’ is a proof of the specific geographical origin, quality and reputation of a product. Bihar already has prestigious GI tags like Katarni rice, Jardalu mango, Shahi litchi and Magahi paan.
Now inclusion of new food items in this list will not only provide international market to local artisans and food items, but will also give a big boost to the tourism and economy of the state. If food items like Khobi ki Lai and Badhiya rasgulla get legal protection, it will become impossible to copy them.
Why did Vasant Utsav become a ‘food testing lab’?
Now everyone’s eyes are on the Vasant Utsav to be held on 25th February. This exhibition will prove to be not just a celebration but also a launchpad for the unsung heroes of Bihar i.e. local cuisines and crafts.
Will GI tag benefit Bihar’s economy?
Only on the basis of the testing and review done here, it will be decided which product will be sent first for the long legal process of GI tag. This initiative of Bihar government has brought a new hope for the entrepreneurs connected to the roots of the state.
Government bidding process long but possible
Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal clarified that the process of getting GI tag is legal and formal. For this, historical evidence, documents and technical studies are necessary. He assured that if necessary information is provided then the state government will move forward in this direction, as has been done with many products in the past also.
Will ‘Local to Vocal’ now become the new identity of Bihar?
This initiative shows that Bihar is now ready to give a global platform to its local products. If this model like ‘Food Audition’ is successful, it can become an example for other states also.
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