Wow! Darjeeling’s Green and White Tea get GI tag

Two tea varieties of Darjeeling have finally received the prestigious GI tag. Registered under “Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999,” Darjeeling’s Green Tea and White Tea can proudly boast they are the tea of this land of Bengal. Darjeeling produces 85 lakh kilograms of tea annually that is not just famous worldwide for its aroma and flavour, but also happen to be some of the costliest varieties of the world. Of this Darjeeling’s Green Tea constitutes 10 lakh kilograms and White Tea constitutes 1 lakh kilograms.

The Geographical Indication is used on products that correspond to a specific geographical location. The tag helps to get an identity in international market. It will also help to boost the production. The Geographical Indications are defined by the WTO’s TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement. India enacted the GI of Goods act, 2009 as a member of WTO and as a signatory of TRIPS agreement.

Darjeeling’s Green Tea is made from same tea leaves as the brown variety. However, it does not undergo the process of withering and oxidation. Though Green Tea originated in China, it is spread all over Asia. While, White Tea is known as the most delicate of all tea varieties as it is minimally processed. The leaves are harvested before the leaves open completely.