Punjab Explores GI Tag For 'Amritsari Kulcha'

Chandigarh- Punjab's foods processing department is exploring the possibility of securing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for 'Amritsari Kulcha', a famous dish that originated from Amritsar.

A GI tag is a status given to a product that has a unique quality, or characteristic due to its specific geographical origin.

Principal Secretary, Food Processing department, Punjab Rakhee Gupta Bhandari said it will not only enhance the city's culinary legacy but also unlock new opportunities for branding, exports, market expansion and ultimately will lead to creating new job opportunities.

She chaired a meeting at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar to discuss initiatives of the food processing sector.

The meeting brought together faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Technology, representatives from Industry associations and processing units, such as 'murabba', 'pickle', basmati rice, honey and jaggery, said an official statement.

She emphasised the significance of the food agro-processing sector, referring to it as a 'sunshine industry' due to its immense potential for growth and employment generation.

Bhandari highlighted the need for building strong backward and forward linkages for food business operators (FBOs) to ensure the sector's sustainable development.

The Principal Secretary also commended Guru Nanak Dev University for its proactive efforts in bridging the academia-industry gap.

The food processing department is framing policies to fortify the entire value chain, from farm to factory to fork, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

The meeting also addressed key industry demands and potential solutions for the growth of Punjab's food processing sector.

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