Mysore Mallige all set to get GI registered

Mysore, Dec 17 (UNI) The strong cultural link between this historic city and 'Mysore Mallige' (jasmine) is soon expected to get formal sanction, with the flower all set to get Geographical Indications (GI) tag.

Of the total 28 Indian products registered with the GI Registry, Karnataka accounted for 12 -- Mysore Agarbathi, Mysore Silk, Coorg Orange, Mysore betel leaf, Nanjangud banana, Mysore sandalwood oil, Mysore sandal soap, Bidriware, Channapatna toys and dolls, Mysore rosewood inlay, Kasuti embroidery, Mysore traditional paintings.

Now, it was the turn of Mysore Mallige to get the prestigious tag.

The Karnataka Horticultural Department's application for GI tag for Mysore Mallige and two other varieties of Jasmine-- Udupi Mallige and 'Hadagali Mallige' -- had been cleared by the Expert Committee headed by the Controller General of Patents, Design and Trademarks attached to the Union Commerce and Industries Ministry, who also acted as Registrar of GI. Following the clearance, the variety would be advertised in the GI journal for some time and in case of no objections during the period, a GI would be granted.

The GI of goods is defined as that aspect of industrial property which referred the country or place of origin of that product. The tag conveyed an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region or country. GI registration gave the registered proprietor and its authorised users, the legal right to the exclusive use of the GI and to obtain relief in case of infringement.

Mysore Mallige, grown in the district, is famous for its fragrance and colour. It is widely used in marriages, functions and poojas. The 'Mallige Angadi' (jasmine shops) in the Devaraja Market in the city jhave been running for ages.

The seasonal flower is cultivated by small farmers in about 250 acres of land in this district. The flower is in great demand in the domestic market and neighbouring States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

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