Nanjangud Rasabale Banana

About Nanjangud Rasabale Banana:

• It is a variety of banana grown in and around the Mysore district and Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka.
• It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2006 for its thick pulp and distinct taste and aroma.
• The taste and pulp of this banana cannot be found in any other variety and anywhere else.
• Soil required: Black clay alluvial saline soil has given a unique aroma to this banana.
• Fruits possess medicinal properties and are believed to cure neurological ailments.
• Threats: The Panama Wilt disease, a fungal infection caused by the Fuserium Wilt pathogen has been the bane of rasabale farmers. 

What is the Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts, and industrial products.