GI tag for Goan Cashew

1. Goan cashew, derived from the Portuguese name ‘caju’ or ‘kaju’ in Konkani.
2. Cashew, native to northeast Brazil in Latin America was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century (1570).
3. Significance of providing GI tag for Goan Cashew:
   1. Traders and processors have to comply with the norms of quality, packaging, weighing, etc. 
   2. Gives boost to local production and processing in Goa who so far met with competition from inferior products at low cost imported from outside the state.
4. The GI tag is given by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
5. A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities.
6. GI tag also serves as a trademark in the international market.