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Punjab Starts Push for GI Tag for Amritsari Kulcha

Officials convened stakeholders at GNDU to map exploratory steps for GI recognition alongside policy and infrastructure upgrades.

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A GI tag will give Amritsari Kulcha a status of a product that has a unique quality, or characteristic due to its specific geographical origin. (HT)

Overview

  • Principal Secretary Rakhee Gupta Bhandari said the food processing department is exploring a Geographical Indication for the Amritsar-origin dish.
  • A meeting at Guru Nanak Dev University brought together faculty, industry associations and processing units from segments like pickles, rice, honey and jaggery.
  • Bhandari framed potential GI protection as a way to preserve culinary identity while opening doors for branding, exports, market expansion and jobs.
  • The department is drafting policies to strengthen the farm‑to‑factory‑to‑fork value chain, with discussions on food parks, technology exchange, skilled manpower and modern testing labs.
  • Proposals under review include APEDA-supported cold storage and improved handling of perishables at Amritsar Airport, with the GI effort still at an exploratory stage.