Judima rice gets GI tag

September 27, 2021 | 0 Comment

The coveted geographical indication (GI) tag has been awarded to Assam’s sticky rice & herb wine, Judima. Brewed by the Dimasa community, this is the first beverage from the northeast to earn the GI tag. Sticky rice, is steamed, mixed with traditional herbs and left to ferment to create this intoxicating concoction. This brew has a distinct sweet taste and takes around one week to prepare, though it can last for years. It is intrinsic to the social and cultural life of the Dimasas and is traditionally made by women.

Four scientists — Kishore Kumar Sharma, Gargi Sharma, S. Maibongsa and Uttam Baithari — from Assam Agricultural University along with the Youth Association for Development and Empowerment (YADEM) were involved in this. The scholars wanted to brand it and ensure its preservation for the future and that’s why they formed a group and applied for the GI tag. “We are elated at the recognition Judima has got. It has been the outcome of nearly three years of efforts,” said Subodh Maibongsha, principal scientist and head of Krishi Vikash Kendra (agriculture development centre) at Diphu in Assam.

According to some studies, this drink might have several health benefits as it has elements that can be used to treat different diseases and psychological disorders. The tag comes 14 years after the ginger of the adjoining Karbi Anglong district received its geographical indication. The tag is is given to products that have a specific place of origin and have a reputation because of their geographical origin. It would ensure quality control mechanisms and enable those who have the right to its use to prevent its misuse by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards. Recently, Manipur saw two of its indigenous products get the GI tag – the Tamenglong orange and Hathei chilli.

Judima rice gets GI tag