There is fabulous news
for not just the Goans but all Indians as well. The famous Khola Chilli or
Kholchi Mirchi that’s being grown on the hills of Khola village in Canacona
taluka region of Goa has received the Geographical
Indication tag from the Geographical Indications Registry.
The prestigious GI
certificate for this Chilli variety has come to give exclusive brand protection
rights to the farmers of Canacona who has been growing this horticultural spice
crop for ages. This award has thrown up remarkable opportunities to the
cultivators as well as authorities to take the Canacona Chilli to the worldwide
market.
It is believed that
most of the Chillies varieties grown in Goa today were introduced by the
Portuguese. However, over the centuries, various hybrid varieties have emerged
from what’s brought from overseas.
Science and Technology
Minister Michael Lobo announced that the Khola Chilli is the first agriculture
produce of the state to get the GI tag. The state government now plans to
receive the GI tag for other items like Goa’s coconut vinegar, Harmal Chillies,
Maindoli banana, Bebinca, Mancurad mango, Cashew nuts, Brinjal, local rice
varieties, etc.
The unique Khola
Chillies are grown on the hill slopes under rainfed conditions only. Local soil
and climate play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of this Chilli
variety, which is known for its brilliant red color and medium-pungent taste.
Lobo rued the lack of
interest in farming and agriculture among youth and said that elders in the
state are actively engaged in farming, but youth don’t want to take it up.
Revealing his and state government’s objective to make more youngsters in Goa
take up farming, he said that getting a GI tag will help the cultivators not
just promote and sell their products but also export them, thus making farming
profitable and developing youth’s interest in farming. Moreover, this could
help Goa improve its agricultural yield and decrease its dependence on other
regions (states) for food. That is the reason why the government has taken this
step, said the minister.
Shivram Naik Gaonkar –
ZA Officer – said that the GI tag could help the Canacona Chilli to become
world-famous, and thus, the demand would increase substantially. The farmers,
on their part, need to increase this crop’s production to enhance their income.
Earlier, the crop was famous only in Goa, but now after getting the Geographical
Indication Protection, it will receive
worldwide recognition. All these facts will increase the market for this
indigenous crop. That’s why they are serious about certifying this spice as
organic so that the farmers get a premium rate, said Naik Gaonkar.
Most farmers growing
this chilly are thankful to the Agricultural Department, ICAR, and Department
of Science and Technology, Goa for putting Khola/ Canacona chilly and their
village on all India map, and expected more support in the form of the Geographical
Indication Registration for other
products, which are equally indigenous and unique to the region. For
more visit: https://www.kashishipr.com/
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