Bihar’s Shahi Litchi — mostly grown in Muzaffarpur and adjoining areas of East Champaran, Vaishali, Samastipur and Begusarai districts — now enjoys the geographical indication (GI) tag.

The GI registration was done in the name of Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, which had applied for the tag. “Certified that the Geographical Indication has been registered in the register in the name of Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, Muzaffarpur, Bihar,” read the certificate. A map too has been appended along with the certificate in which Shahi litchi-growing districts — East Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur and Begusarai — have been highlighted.

Geographical indication is used on a product of specific geographical origin that attains its uniqueness or reputation because of its place of origin. An application needs to be filed in the office of the controller general of patents, designs and trademarks.

In case of Shahi Litchi, the tag has been awarded more than a year after efforts were initiated to get the registration. After completing the process, details of the product were published under the patent rights in government of India’s geographical indication journal and were kept there for the past three months inviting objections.

“No objections came during this period following which the tag was accorded to Shahi Litchi,” said R.K. Sohane, director (extension education) at the Bihar Agriculture University in Sabour. The university had facilitated the process of GI registration and the same has been mentioned in the certificate issued by government of India’s geographical indication registry.

“The tag will put an effective check on litchi growers of other states like Bengal, Uttarakhand and Punjab, who have been selling their products as Shahi Litchi,” president of Litchi Growers Association of Bihar, Bachcha Prasad Singh, told The Telegraph on Wednesday. “Now, Bihar litchi growers will get exclusive right to market Shahi litchi and it will definitely help them get better price for their product.”

Litchi happens to be the fourth agricultural product for which Bihar has got GI tag. In December last year, three agricultural products — Bhagalpuri Zardalu, Katarni rice and Magahi Paan — had been given GI tags.

In addition to four GI tags in the agricultural field, some art form from Bihar — Madhubani painting, applique – Khatwa patch work, Sikki grass work, Sujini embroidery work and Bhagalpur silk — have been accorded GI tag under handicraft category.