‘Need to stop infringement of GI tag for cashew nuts’

Panaji: A week after agriculture minister Ravi Naik said that cashew nuts from Africa were being imported and sold as Goan produce, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said it is counting on the Goa Cashew Manufacturers Association to prevent infringement of the geographical indication (GI) tag for Goan cashew nuts.

“We are confident that the association will take steps against those who produce and market misbranded spurious products made from imported raw cashew nuts, which are inferior in taste and quality parameters,” said GCCI president Shrinivas Dempo.

GCCI thanked the state government for its efforts to obtain GI registration for Goan cashew nuts. Cashew Feni was the first product of the state to bag the GI tag, and since then, nine more products have obtained the tag.

GCCI said that the cashew tree, which was introduced in Goa centuries ago, aids in soil conservation on hill slopes and now occupies a place of pride in the culture, tradition, and commerce of Goa.

“We look forward to the registration of the ‘Goa sausage’ and other items close to the hearts of the people of Goa, the process for which is under way,” said Dempo.

The state government has worked to obtain the GI for feni, Khola chillies, Harmal chillies, Moira banana, Agasaim brinjal, seven-ridge lady’s fingers, Mankurad mango, khajem (festival sweet), and cashew nuts.