Open Access Research Article
GI TAG ON TURMERIC IN ERODE DISTRICT: IMPACTS AROUND PEOPLE IN LOCAL VILLAGES BY: GOWTHAM.M
Published Paper
Article Details
GI TAG ON TURMERIC IN ERODE
DISTRICT: IMPACTS AROUND PEOPLE IN LOCAL VILLAGES
AUTHORED
BY: GOWTHAM.M
Assistant
professor
Vels
Institute Of Science, Technology, And Advance Studies
Abstract:
The goal of
the current study was to compare the nutritional profiles and quality of four
turmeric varieties with geographical indications (GI): the Sangli, Waigon,
Kandhmal, and Erode varieties. Significant variations were found for the three
main quality indicators of curcumin (2.23-5.50%), oleoresin (8.36–18.12%), and essential
oil (4.00–5.60%) among GI turmeric. A* (21.59–24.77) was found to be the
highest in Kandhmal haldi, whereas L* (45.68–52.48) and b* (58.89–63.69) were
significantly higher in Sangli turmeric. The color composition of the samples
was also investigated. Further analysis of the chemical and mineral composition
revealed that Erode turmeric had substantial levels of K, Ca, and Mg, whereas
Waigon turmeric had the highest N results. In addition, the qualities,
characteristics, or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the
place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of
production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of
production. Finally, how it has been used in day-to-day life and how the buyers
are aware of the GI in turmeric will be discussed in the survey report of the
Erode district people.
Keywords: GI Tag, World Intellectual Property Law (WIPO),
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Law (TRIPS)
INTRODUCTION:
A
geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products with a specific
geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
To function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as original. In addition,
the product's qualities, characteristics, or reputation should be essentially
due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical
place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original
place of production in a given place.
Likewise,
after an eight-year-long process, eroded turmeric on Wednesday finally got a
Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indication Registry. The
Erode Manjal Vanigargal Matrum Kidangu Urimaiyalargal Sangham applied for the
GI tag on January 4, 2011, at the office of the Deputy Registrar of the GI Registry
in Chennai. This study aims to acquire
awareness among the people regarding the grant of a geographical indication tag
through socio-legal research and the economic impacts in the region of Erode.
After the grant of the Geographical Indication Tag on Turmeric.
Review of Literature:
A review of
the literature is an analysis of the existing materials relating to a
particular topic. A systematic study of earlier scholarly works and the latest
research helps to understand the research topic better. When the researcher is
acquainted with the existing works, it reduces the replication of work already
done by others and helps the researcher get a detailed overview of the topic.
Following are a few literature works related to GI tags on eroded turmeric.
V.S. Palaniappan, "Erode turmeric gets a GI tag after an 8-year
process." In this, the information about the GI tag on eroded turmeric was
briefly discussed.
RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS:
1.
The registration of geographical indications is
dependent on the place of origin and quality of the product.
2.
The buyer’s awareness mechanism of the geographical
indication of turmeric is compulsory through appropriate media.
The first
hypotheses were designed to study whether the registration procedure in
Geographical Indication is dependent on checking the place of origin and
quality of the product. In other words, whether the genuine procedure is used
to check the origin to register under GI.
The second
hypothesis was formulated to analyze the awareness mechanism of the Geographical
Indication of "Erode Turmeric" and whether it should be compulsory
through an appropriate medium to avoid duplication.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
In this
non-doctrinal paper, the methodology adopted is primarily empirical research. A
survey was conducted among the students and people of Erode District to
generate information from them on the research topic. The theoretical source
for this paper was collected from various articles, e-journals, and web pages.
SCOPE AND LIMITATION:
The present
study has the following limitations:
•
The research is limited to Erode.
•
GI is a relatively new concept in India (since 2004
and not mandatory), therefore the literature available on the topic is limited.
•
Lack of public awareness does not offer strong growth
potential to the business unit as yet.
•
The empirical studies on GI are scarce.
•
The nonavailability of academic literature is a major
limitation.
•
Geographical indication has emerged; it has been planned
and initiated by world forums like the WTO, TRIPS, WIPO, and NIPO. All these
world forums are developing geographical indication elements at the global
level. The information, like patents and trademarks, is tremendous. These
forums are also developing the Geographical Indication element at the global
level, depending on domestic-level development.
•
At the domestic level, only gazette information is
available because the registration process and documentation are
time-consuming.
•
The geographical indication is a collective mark
because the registration is not by an individual or person. It is by the
seller’s association. Hence, the appropriate information and channel of
distribution are not coordinated.
NEED FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION
PROTECTION :
Many people
and associations across the globe often get confused while thinking about
whether it is worthwhile to obtain GI protection or not. Some of the benefits
of registering a geographical indication are as follows:
- ENHANCES ECONOMIC GROWTH:
The
protection of geographical indications leads to the overall economic prosperity
of manufacturers and producers. Furthermore, the marketing and promotion of the
products with the GI tags enhance secondary economic activities in that specific
region, which in turn boosts regional economic development. Last but not least,
the protection of geographical indications creates a positive image and
reputation of the product in the minds of consumers and rewards the producers
with incentives and a better ROI.
2.
PREVENTS
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF GI TAGS :
The
registered holder of the GI tag has all the legal rights to prevent anyone not
belonging to the GI region from using their GI tags. The owners can also
initiate legal proceedings against the unauthorized user to save their
reputation from being damaged.
3.
EXPAND
BUSINESS
The
prime purpose of registering a geographical indication is to seek protection
for specific products produced in a particular geographical region, which
further encourages and motivates marketers to expand their business at a global
level. Furthermore, the protection of geographical indications boosts exports
and helps the producers earn well for themselves.
4.
INCREASE
TOURISM:
The
protection of GI tags builds a global reputation for the products. People
around the world notice various GI products from different regions and get
motivated to visit those regions and use such products. Therefore, it helps in
the growth of the tourism industry in that particular region as well.
IMPORTANCE OF TURMERIC IN GI :
The values
for N, K, Ca, and Mg varied between (0.08 and 0.50%), (2.48 and 3.19%), and
(0.11-0.45%), respectively. The analysis of the samples revealed the presence
of P, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn at significant levels that, respectively, ranged from
(0.41-0.45 ppm), (4.63-6.63 ppm), (39.6-91.5 ppm), (134.3-251.5 ppm), and
(12.3-28.0 ppm). Waigon turmeric had considerable quantities of Cu, Mn, and Zn,
whereas Erode turmeric had significantly higher levels of Fe. Turmeric from
Waigon and Kandhmal both had the same amount of P. According to nutritional
studies, Erode turmeric has a notable high content of crude protein (4.64%) and
crude fiber (10.40%). Waigon turmeric was found to contain significantly higher
amounts of carbohydrate (73.7%), total fat (9.16%), and energy (374.53
Kcal/100g), whereas Kandhmal haldi was found to have the highest percentage of
ash (14.3%) and Erode turmeric had the highest percentage of fiber (10.40%).
When tests were done to determine the proximate antioxidant activity, Sangli
turmeric (38.94 g/mL) was found to have the highest 50.0% inhibitory
concentration (IC50), whereas Waigon turmeric (146.57 g/mL) had the highest
IC50 for the antidiabetic assay. Additionally investigated were the total
curcuminoids by HPLC and the chemical components of essential oils by GCMS.
QUALITY PARAMETERS:
|
Quality Parameters
|
Characteristics of Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric)
|
|
|
Fresh Rhizome Yield
|
15 to 40 per ha
|
|
|
Curcumin content
|
2.5 to 4.5 %
|
|
|
Colour
|
Golden Yellow
|
|
|
Resistance to Pest
|
Upto 100 days after boiling
|
SURVEY REPORTS:
Empirical
research was conducted among the students and general public in Erode District
to determine to what extent they were aware of the geographical indication tag
on Erode turmeric. The research also includes questions regarding the legal
provisions of geographical indications.
A total of
30 subjects participated in the survey. The age group of the participants is
represented as a bar graph (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Age group of participants
The
responses were received from 53 males and 47 females. Out of 101 participants,
43 were working, 28 were students, 12 were self-employed, and 18 were others.
(Figure 2).
Figure 2: Count of Occupation
Conclusion and Suggestions:
India, at
present, is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of spices in the
world. Turmeric is an important spice crop in India. It is used to cook
household products for food, flavor, and color. It is also used for medical
purposes as a stimulant, stomachic, expectorant, and rubefacient. The beneficial
effects of turmeric are traditionally achieved through dietary consumption,
even at low levels, over long periods.
A precise
understanding of the effective dose, safety, and mechanism of action is
required for the rational use of turmeric in the treatment of human diseases.
Further clinical studies are warranted if turmeric is to be employed in meeting
human needs and improving human welfare. The activities of turmeric include
antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, antiseptic,
cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, radioprotective, and
digestive activities.
It can be
concluded that the expenditure points of curing, dying, and polishing
operations were more important for the post-harvesting process of turmeric
rhizomes, which occupied about 3/4th of the cost (about 73%) for
turmeric processing. The marketing surplus of the total quantity sold as a
protection to the total protection of the turmeric in the Erode District was as
high as 90.56%. The selling decision of turmeric producers in the Erode
District was governed by the cost involved in the net prices realized in
selling the product.
The
turmeric producers follow a seasonal pattern of selling, with the highest
concentration in the sales months and the lowest concentration in November. In
Erode district of Tamil Nadu, the marketing of dried turmeric in the rhizomes
moved from producer through the regulated market to wholesaler cum commission
agent to final user was found to be the most efficient, with the lowest level
of marketing margins and minimum price spread.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- Marsha A. Echols,
"Geographical Indications for Food Products: International Legal and
Regulatory Perspectives," Kluwer Law International, 2nd edition
(November 23, 2016), ISBN-13: 978-9041167392.
- Baeumer, Ludwig,
"Protection of Geographical Indications under WIPO Treaties and
Questions Concerning the Relationship Between Those Treaties and the TRIPS
Agreement", in Symposium on the Protection of Geographical
Indications in the Worldwide Context (held in Eger, Hungary, October
24/25, 1997), WIPO (publication No. 760(E)), Geneva, 1999
- "Review under Article
24.2 of the Application of the Provisions of the Section of the TRIPS
Agreement on Geographical Indications," WTO document IP/C/W/253/Rev.1,
2003
WEBLIOGRAPHY:
Article Information
GI TAG ON TURMERIC IN ERODE DISTRICT: IMPACTS AROUND PEOPLE IN LOCAL VILLAGES BY: GOWTHAM.M
Authors: GOWTHAM.M
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Published 2024/09/16
- Issue 7
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- Abbreviation IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Access Open Access
- License CC 4.0
All research articles published in International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis are open access and available to read, download and share, subject to proper citation of the original work.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis.