30, March 2019 30/03/2019 – Posted in: Press Information Bureau – Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

GI Certification for five varieties of Indian coffee

(Ministry of Commerce & Industry)

WHAT

Government of India has recently awarded Geographical Indication (GI) to five varieties of Indian coffee. They are:

  • Coorg Arabica coffee
  • Wayanaad Robusta coffee
  • Chikmagalur Arabica coffee
  • Araku Valley Arabica coffee
  • Bababudangiris Arabica coffee
  • Coorg Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the region of Kodagu district in Karnataka.
  • Wayanaad Robusta coffee is grown specifically in the region of Wayanad district which is situated on the eastern portion of Kerala.
  • Chikmagalur Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the region of Chikmagalur district and it is situated in the Deccan plateau, belongs to the Malnad region of Karnataka.
  • Araku Valley Arabica coffee can be described as coffee from the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region at an elevation of 900-1100 Mt MSL. The coffee produce of Araku, by the tribals, follows an organic approach in which they emphasise management practices involving substantial use of organic manures, green manuring and organic pest management practices.
  • Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the birthplace of coffee in India and the region is situated in the central portion of Chikmagalur district. Selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation, the cup exhibits full body, acidity, mild flavour and striking aroma with a note of chocolate. This coffee is also called high grown coffee which slowly ripens in the mild climate and thereby the bean acquires a special taste and aroma.

 

FACTS

  • In India, coffee is cultivated in about 4.54 lakh hectares.
  • Coffee cultivation is mainly done in the Southern States of India: Karnataka – 54% , Kerala – 19%, Tamil Nadu – 8%.
  • Coffee is also grown in non-traditional areas like Andhra Pradesh and Odisha (17.2%) and North East States (1.8%).
  • India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun dried.
  • India produces some of the best coffee in the world, grown by tribal farmers in the Western and Eastern Ghats,which are the two major bio-diversity hotspots in the world.
  • Indian coffeeis highly valued in the world market and sold as premium coffee in Europe.

 

GI CERTIFICATION

  • GI certification will allow the coffee producers of India to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the coffee grown in that particular region.
  • It will also enhance the visibility of Indian coffee in the world and allow growers to get maximum price for their premium coffee.

Benefits of GI certification

  • It will encourage coffee producers of India to invest in maintaining the specific qualities of the coffee grown in that particular region.
  • Enhance the visibility of Indian coffee in the world.
  • Maximum price for the premium coffee.
  • No other producer can misuse the name to market similar products.
  • It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of the product.

 

Source: PIB

 

 

Change in Tariff

(Ministry of Finance)

 

WHAT

Change in Tariff Value of Crude Palm Oil, RBD Palm Oil, Others – Palm Oil, Crude Palmolein, RBD Palmolein, Others – Palmolein, Crude Soyabean Oil, Brass Scrap (All Grades), Poppy Seeds, Areca Nuts, Gold and Silver.

 

Crude Palm oil

  • Palm oil is edible oil which is extracted from the pulp of fruit of oil palms. The color of pulp is red. That’s why crude palm oil is naturally similar to pulp color because of high inactive vitamin A content.
  • Commonly it is combined or mixed with coconut oil to make highly saturated vegetable fat, which is also used for cooking purposes.

 

RBD Palmolein

  • RBD Palmolein is refined, bleached and deodorized form of palm oil which is extracted after crushing palm fruit. It is used in many countries as edible cooking oil.
  • RBD Palmolein is the liquid fraction obtained by the fractionation of palm oil after crystallization at controlled temperatures. It is used as an important raw material in the manufacture of soaps, washing powder and other hygiene and personal care products.

 

Soybean Oil

  • Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean (Glycine max). It is one of the most widely consumed cooking oils.
  • As a drying oil, processed soybean oil is also used as a base for printing inks (soy ink) and oil paints.

Source: PIB

 

 

Combat Management System for the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

(Ministry of Defence)

WHAT

The Combat Management System (CMS) for the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) developed with M/s Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division (TPSED), in collaboration with Weapon and Electronics System Engineering Establishment (WESEE) and M/s MARS, Russia.

  • Handed over to Indian Navy.
  • This is a major landmark on IN’s thrust towards GoI’s policy of ‘Make in India’ to encourage indigenous development and promoting private industry participation.

 

Source: PIB