Staff Reporter
Panaji
Goa’s cashew nuts are likely to get a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the end of May, which would be 11th state unique agriculture product to get the status.
According to chairperson of the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) and Poriem MLA Deviya Rane, the GI certification process is expected to be completed by the end of May this year.
“By the end of next month, Goa’s cashew will receive its rightful GI tag,” said Rane said.
She expressed confidence that with the GI tag, the cashew farmers will get more boost, and it will lead to Goa’s unique branding and help curb the growing trend of non-Goan cashews being sold as Goan.
Rane, who has been instrumental in organising Goa Cashew Fest from 2023, further said that the GI tag will officially recognise the distinctive flavour, quality, and regional identity of Goan cashew nuts, offering them enhanced protection in domestic and international markets.
The certification is also expected to provide support to the local farmers, who rely on cashew cultivation as a main source of income, she added.
Rane has been personally following the process initiated by the government to obtain the GI tag for Goan cashew nuts.
“Sale of cashew nuts coming from outside, and being sold as Goan cashew nuts must be stopped totally. Once we get the GI tag to cashew nuts, it will help curb the sale of outside nuts,” Rane said.
Due to cashew festival, awareness among the farmers has increased, and it has helped increase cashew production in last three years, she added.
