Gamosa– the symbol of Assamese pride and identity- and chokua rice have finally been approved for the geographical indication (GI) tag, which has been advertised in the 24th Geographical Indications Journal.
GI tag is used to identify agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods originating in a said area and it should have a special quality or characteristics unique to the particular geographical indication.
“The gamosa is a traditional textile and a symbol of Assamese culture,” the GI journal stated.
“The chokuwa rice of Assam is a unique gift of nature, not known in any other part of the world,” the journal added.
“It is a special class of semi-glutinous winter rice (Sali rice in vernacular) of Assam, in cultivation from time immemorial,” it added.
“Highly-valued delicacies are prepared from chokuwa rice. The parboiled chokuwa rice becomes soft by just soaking in ordinary water,” the journal added.
Golaghat-based Institute of Handicraft Development applied for gamosa and Sivasagar’s Seuj Satirth applied for chokua rice.
Gamosa comes in different varieties like uka, phulam, bihuwan, tiyoni, pani, aanakota, telosh, dora boronor or jur and xadharon gamosa.