Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa’s famed cashew nut has officially been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, while efforts are ongoing to secure similar recognition for the state’s cashew apple and traditional liquor Urraq.
Responding to an unstarred question (LAQ No. 064) raised by MLA Deviya Rane in the Legislative Assembly, Minister for Science and Technology Atanasio Monserrate informed the House that the GI application for “Goa Cashew” (also known as Kaju or Caju) was registered on October 3, 2023. The application had been originally filed on October 26, 2020, and now holds GI Certificate No. 506.
As for the “Goa Kaju Apple,” the minister said the application (filed on April 27, 2023) has been accepted by the GI Registry and is currently under the process of registration.
Meanwhile, the application for GI recognition of “Goa Urraq” (also spelt Urracca or Urrack), a traditional Goan alcoholic beverage distilled from the cashew apple, was filed on October 17, 2023. It is still under examination.
These developments mark a significant step forward in branding and protecting Goa’s indigenous and heritage products at a national level, potentially boosting their market value and preserving traditional practices.
