 tags, namely ‘Memong Narang’ and 'Khasi Mandarin'.){kind=link}
By Naphisabet Kharbamang
Located in the Northeastern region of India, Meghalaya also known as “Scotland of the East”, is home for its many well-known species, picturesque landscape, wildlife sanctuaries, adventurous caves and many more. Meghalaya literally means “abode of clouds”. It is known for its unique variety of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants.
Geographical Indicator tags in India are referred to as “GI tags”. A geographical indicator (GI) tag is a term applied to products with a particular geographical origin and feature. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. The first Indian product to get a GI tag was Darjeeling Tea.
Meghalaya has two products that have been given Geographical Indication (GI) tags, namely ‘Memong Narang’ and ‘Khasi Mandarin’.
Memong Narang
Home to Citrus Indica (locally known as Memong Narang), or the Wild Orange is found in Nokrek National Park, in the West Garo. The citrus fruit ‘Memong Narang’ is a member of the ‘Rutaceae’ family and the ‘Aurantiodeae’ subfamily. Citrus trees are evergreen trees that produce fruits of various shapes and sizes (from round to oblong) that are rich in fragrance, flavour, and juice. Only in this part of the world is this diversity to be found. They are a good source of fibre, Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, and folic acid. The fruit is used to treat Jaundice and stomach conditions in humans and animals, and it is used to treat Smallpox.
Khasi Mandarin
Another GI tag of Meghalaya is the Khasi Mandarin, also called Soh Niamtra or Soh Myntra in Khasi. Meghalaya, Assam, and other Northeastern States have extensive Khasi mandarin cultivation. In India, the Khasi mandarin orange accounts for 43.6 per cent of all citrus fruit production. They have an intense orange color, and within they contain a flavorful juice. It has bioactive compounds, which have various health benefits and can be used to treat a wide range of illnesses. The mandarin contains nutrients like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, vitamin E, the B complex, amino acids, flavonoids, and many others.
However, two other products, namely, Larnai Clay Pottery and Bamboo Shang Trop were rejected from being given GI Tags.