From Mallige to Rasabale: CFTRI celebrates Mysuru’s heritage with GI-tagged product showcase

As a tribute to the rich agricultural and cultural legacy of the Mysuru region, three Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products were presented to Union Minister Jitendra Singh and other dignitaries during the valedictory of the platinum jubilee celebrations of the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) here on Friday.

The guests were welcomed with a bouquet of Mysuru Jasmine (mallige), renowned for its exquisite fragrance and uniqueness. This was followed by the presentation of Nanjangud Rasabale (banana) and Mysuru Veledele (betel leaf), both celebrated for their distinctive taste, quality, and strong regional identity.

The gesture was appreciated by the Union Minister, who acknowledged the importance of promoting indigenous products and carried them along. “These presentations symbolised a strong commitment to enhancing awareness about GI-tagged products, thereby empowering local farmers and supporting sustainable livelihoods,” CFTRI said in a release.

Highlighting its efforts to promote traditional food heritage, CFTRI recently organised GI Mahotsav 3.0, showcasing nearly 52 GI-tagged products from southern India. The event witnessed significant participation, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting regional specialties.

The event has brought together GI-certified crafts, textiles, traditional foods, spices, and agricultural products, each rooted in a unique regional identity. The stalls are run by GI-registered artisans, farmer groups, producer organisations, and rural enterprises.

From Nanjangud Banana to Byadagi Chilli, and from Bidriware to Patteda Anchu sarees, many unique GI products were on display across nearly 50 stalls set up for the Mahotsav, which attracted a lot of visitors.

The institute emphasised the need to accelerate the promotion of locally grown products to ensure their legacy is carried forward to future generations while also contributing to the economic growth of farming communities, the release added.