Punjab Eyes Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for ‘Amritsari Kulcha’

In a significant step towards safeguarding the culinary identity and traditions of Punjab’s popular Amritsari Kulcha, Punjab Food Processing Department is exploring the chances of securing a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for Amritsari Kulcha, a popular dish originating from Amritsar.

A GI Tag is a status given to a product that possess a unique quality or characteristic due to its specific geographical origin. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, the Principal Secretary of Food Processing Department in this context said that GI Tag for Amritsari Kulcha will not only enhance the city’s culinary legacy but also explore new opportunities for branding, exports, market expansion and ultimately will lead to creating new job opportunities.

Decision to demand GI Tag for Amritsari Kulcha was taken at a meeting at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar where faculty members from the department of food science and technology, and representatives from Industry associations and processing units, such as ‘murabba’, ‘pickle’, basmati rice, honey and jiggery joined together to discuss initiatives of the food processing sector. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, stressed on the importance of the food agro-processing sector, refereeing the industry as a ‘sunshine industry’ due to its immense potential for growth and employment generation.

GI Tag for Amritsari Kulcha Will Elevate Amritsar’s Culinary Heritage

Further, officials noted that a Geographical indication (GI) Tag for Amritsari Kulcha could soon become a reality and hence will further elevate Amritsar’s culinary heritage. Apart from enhancing the culinary heritage of Amritsar the GI tag will also pave the way for branding, exports, and market expansion.

Proposals were also discussed for cold storage facilities with APEDA support and enhanced cargo handling of perishables at Amritsar Airport. Additionally, promoting honey exports through Punjab Agro was highlighted as a promising growth avenue for the sector.