The entrepreneurs’ association in-collaboration with The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation limited organised a state-level workshop on Geographical indications awareness for Naga tree tomato & sweet cucumber & user Authorisation held at the Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on 26th November 2024.

During the program Additional Director of Agricultural, Sanuzo Nienu mentioned that during his visit to different district he notice plantation of tree tomato and sweet cucumber which is usually planted for personal consumption and local market and not for international market. 

He mentioned that registration of GI tag will not only help recognise the farmers’ products in Nagaland market but also in the international market. 

He also mention  that the entrepreneurs association and the North Eastern Regional Agriculture Marketing Corporation limited can help the farmers in marketing their products and encourage the farmers to farm tree tomato and sweet potato in large scale which can be marketed internationally 

Director of Horticulture, Meyashashi said that GI is a geographical indication given to a particular product, grown or produce in a particular state or village. He emphasised the two importance significance of GI tagging, where GI tag certifies that a product is produced in a specific way in a particular location and popular in the area of production and base on that GI tagging is given and the second importance of GI tagging ensures that only the authorised registered user are allowed to use the product.

He also said that other countries use cucumber as pickles, salad, medicines and for other purpose. He also mentioned that the Naga sweet cucumber and Naga tree tomato original documentation was done by Horticultural Department and the documents was submitted through the initiative of the NERAMAC. He mentioned that this GI product will open up a new opportunity for the farmers and young entrepreneurs who can develop the products and start marketing. 

(Kazuhito Kibami IA)