In April 2022 Geographic Indication (GI) tag has been awarded to which of the following by Govt. of India?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d)  Mithila Makhana
Explanation: • The Government of India awarded the  Geographical Indication (GI) tag to  Mithila Makhana in August 2022 (though the process and specific naming approvals were finalized following applications initiated earlier that year). • The proposal to rename it from  Bihar Makhana to  Mithila Makhana was accepted by the GI Registry to better reflect its unique  geographical origin and cultural identity. • Mithila Makhana ( Euryale ferox) is primarily cultivated in the  Mithila region of Bihar and parts of Nepal. • Over  80% of the world's total Fox Nut (Makhana) production comes from this specific region in Bihar. • The GI tag ensures that only authorized users from the defined geographical area can use the popular product name, protecting farmers from  misbranding.
Information Booster: • This is the  fifth product from Bihar to receive a GI tag, following  Bhagalpuri Zardalu Mango,  Katarni Rice,  Magahi Paan, and  Shahi Litchi. • The  Makhana Development Scheme has been implemented to provide high-quality seeds and technical assistance to farmers to boost the export potential of this "superfood."
Additional Knowledge: Mithila Region (Option d) • Includes districts like  Madhubani, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Purnia, and Sitamarhi, where the stagnant water of ponds provides the ideal environment for Makhana cultivation.
Darbhanga/Nalanda/Vaishali Makhana (Options a, b, c) • While these districts are major producers of Makhana in Bihar, the GI tag was specifically granted under the regional name  'Mithila' to encompass the entire traditional growing belt rather than a single district.