Odisha’s Koraput Kala Jeera Rice Gets GI Tag

Current Context: Odisha’s Koraput Kala Jeera Rice is a highly aromatic and nutritious variety of rice that has recently received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag. This means that the rice is recognized as a product that originates from a specific region and has unique qualities or reputation associated with that region.

• The GI tag protects the rice from being imitated or misrepresented by other producers.
• The Koraput Kala Jeera Rice is grown by the farmers of Koraput district in Odisha, which is considered to be the centre of origin of cultivated rice. The rice has a black colour, a good aroma, taste and texture, and looks like coriander seeds.
• It is also known as the ‘Prince of Rice’ for its superior quality and health benefits.
• The GI tag for Koraput Kala Jeera Rice was applied by Jaivik Sri Farmers Producer Company Limited (JSFPC), an organisation of farmers from 14 blocks of the district, with the support of the NABARD and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment of the Government of Odisha.
• The Geographical Indications Registry issued an advertisement on August 31, 2023, confirming the grant of GI status to Koraput Kala Jeera Rice.

Questions:

Q.1 What is the name of the organisation that applied for the GI tag for Koraput Kala Jeera Rice?
a. NABARD
b. MSSRF
c. JSFPC
d. KVK