Kangra Tea becomes India’s second product to get GI tag from European Union

The Community News/Dharamshala

Kangra Tea has become India’s second product to get Geographical Indication (GI) tag from European Union, paving the way for its sale, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Thursday.

Sukhu said the GI tag is an important tool to recognize the quality, genuineness and reputation of the product in the European markets.

This would prove to be a boon for the sale of Kangra tea as it has received international recognition.

It will benefit tea growers of Palampur, Baijnath, Kangra and Dharamshala in Kangra district, Jogindernagar of Mandi district and Bhattiyat area of Chamba district.

Kangra tea was known for its unique taste and fragrance, attributed to its abundant pyrazine contents.

Additionally, it also possesses medicinal values due to antioxidants, phenolic compounds, tryptophan, amino acids, theanine glutamine and catechin.

“Kangra tea was given GI status in the year 2005 by the Registrar of Geographical Indicators Chennai.

And now after registration with EU, the sale of Kangra tea is expected to grow thereby benefitting the Kangra tea growers of the state,” the CM said.

During the British era, Kangra tea was exported to European markets and because of its quality, it bagged several awards from Amsterdam and London markets between 1886 to 1895.

However, without a registration certificate, selling Kangra tea in European markets was not possible until now.

But now its registration opens up opportunities for Kangra tea in European markets as well.

The CM said the government was committed to preserve the traditional products and has launched various initiatives to benefit the local artisans and weavers.

Till date, GI status has been given to more than 400 traditional products of HP including Kullu shawl, Chamba Rumal, Kinnaur shawl, Kangra painting, Lahaul woolen socks and gloves etc.

The process to get GI tag for Himachali cap, Sirmauri Loeya, Mandi Sepubari, Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri apple and ornaments is under consideration with the RGI , Chennai, he added.

He lauded the efforts of HP Science Technology and Environment Council (HIMCOSTE) for completing the tedious process of its registration of Kangra tea with the EU.

He also congratulated Agriculture Department, IHBT Palampur and Kangra Valley Small Tea Planters Association for their role.