Latest news with #GeographicalIndication
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Can TN raise a toast with local wines?
Amid the raging debate over toddy tapping in Tamil Nadu, a business idea that remains untapped is the state's potential to manufacture alcoholic beverages on the lines of Goa's feni as well as native varieties of wine. The state is among the frontrunners in the cultivation of grapes (third largest in India) and cashew (fifth largest), the raw material required for the production of such alcoholic beverages. Take for instance, the Muscat Hamburg, popularly known as 'Cumbum Panneer Thratchai'. Grown in Theni, Dindigul and Coimbatore districts, the grapes record a minimum yield of 2.5 lakh tonnes per annum. While Theni dominates with 70% of total production, Dindigul and Coimbatore share 20% and 10% of the yield, respectively. K Mukundan, president, Surulipatti Grapes Growers Association said Tamil Nadu's lone winery at Cumbum relies significantly on the output of vineyards. "We cater to this winery which procures our locally grown grapes to make wine. One of the largest wine manufacturers in Maharashtra also sources our Muscat Hamburg grapes. What we are eyeing is production at scale in our state to target markets outside Tamil Nadu, domestic and overseas," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ukraine: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Mukundan emphasises that the Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, a Geographical Indication (GI) tagged agricultural product, is a one of its kind grape variety that contains 50% of water. About 500 ml of juice can be extracted from one kilogram of the grape variety. "Its export potential for winemaking is substantial in view of the international demand. In the long run, we could test the overseas market for vintage wines (made through fermentation and aging)," he added. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai So, where can the govt help? Initiating farmers into producing value added products and establishing quality control centres could be a start point. "Theni is home to Sipcot's food park and a dedicated space can be earmarked for wineries on the lines of Maharashtra. Farmer producer companies can be trained and assisted to set up manufacturing units. Licenses must be given for new wineries targeting markets outside Tamil Nadu. This will be a win-win situation for farmers and wineries as the latter procure grapes locally at competitive prices, which will in turn benefit farmers. As scope for wine production booms, it will prompt more farmers to enhance area under grape cultivation," he added. There's another opportunity waiting to be leveraged in the northern districts of TN. Cashew apples, when separated from cashew nuts are usually discarded in fields or repurposed as cattle feed. But the greater incentive might be in turning these apples into raw materials to make a feni-like alcoholic beverage. By virtue of the GI tag certification, only liquor made using cashew apples within Goa can be called 'feni'. Data from the TN agriculture department shows cashew was grown in 83,556 hectares during 2023-24. Of this, the cashew hub of Cuddalore (29,342 Ha) and its neighbours Ariyalur (30,537 Ha) and Villupuram (3,214 Ha) account for 75% of its total production. Cuddalore has an average yield of 470 kg of cashew nuts per hectare, but, five times of its volume of cashew apple goes waste. Approximately 69,000 tonnes of cashew apple gets discarded in the district itself every year. Around 300 ml of juice can be extracted from one kilogram of cashew apple, according to cashew industry sources. All India Cashew Association general secretary Ramakrishnan M said, cashew apples can be used to make feni-like drinks. "The challenge is obtaining a license to manufacture alcoholic products. The demand is considerable and Puducherry can be a launchpad for sale," he added. N Chandramouli, CEO, TRA Research said, India's wine industry, while still small in overall volume, is growing steadily. Wine currently accounts for 2% of India's alcoholic beverage consumption. In 2023, India exported around $2.9 million worth of still wine and an additional $1.6 million of sparkling wine, translating to approximately 3,30,777 litres. "This upward trend in production and exports signals both increased domestic interest and emerging international demand. The success of pioneers such as Sula has shown that Indian viticulture, with sufficient investment and branding, can create products of both quality and global appeal. With creative branding and state backing, a distinctive TN cashew spirit could become a regional signature," he said. The tailwinds from neighbouring states are encouraging. Three years ago, the amended Kerala Small Scale Winery Rules 2022 facilitated the production of low-strength liquor from selected agricultural items like fruits. A year later, Goa's excise department said it was writing to other states to make feni available there for sale, and also make it available at all duty-free shops. When contacted, a senior official with the state agriculture department said that the demand for manufacturing wines and feni-like beverages involves policy decisions. However, demands of the stakeholders in the farming sector will be examined, the official added.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Modi hails 'women-led development'
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the transformative role of women across India who are leading change through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), preserving heritage and shaping a new future for the nation. Speaking during the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi underlined how initiatives led by women are giving new strength to the 'Women-Led Development' movement. 'Just as our India is known for its regional, linguistic and cultural diversity, the diversity of arts, crafts and skills is also a great quality of our country,' the PM said. 'Whichever area you visit, you will get to know about some local specialities." "We often talk about such unique products of the country in Mann Ki Baat.' Referring to one such product, the Prime Minister highlighted Meghalaya's traditional Eri Silk, which recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 'Eri Silk is like a heritage for Meghalaya. The Khasi community, in particular, has preserved it for generations and enriched it with their skills. Its most special feature is the way it is made. The silkworms are not killed to obtain it, hence it is also called Ahimsa Silk,' he said. Pointing to its growing global appeal, he said, 'Nowadays, the demand for such products is rising rapidly across the world — products that are non-violent and environment-friendly. Eri Silk from Meghalaya is a perfect product for the global market. It keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers, making it suitable for diverse climates.' He further noted, 'Women of Meghalaya are taking this heritage forward through Self Help Groups. I congratulate the people of Meghalaya and urge everyone to try out Eri Silk clothing. Also, remember — Khadi, handloom, handicrafts, Vocal for Local. If customers buy only Indian-made products and traders sell only Indian-made products, it will infuse new energy into the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.' Modi also shared stories from Telangana and Karnataka that reflect the impact of women-led economic initiatives. 'You will feel proud knowing the success story of the women of Bhadrachalam in Telangana. These women, once working as labourers, are now making biscuits from millets — Shree Anna. Their biscuits, named 'Bhadradri Millet Magic', are reaching markets from Hyderabad to London,' he said. 'These women joined an SHG and received training. They also started producing Giri Sanitary Pads. In just three months, they prepared 40,000 pads and supplied them to schools and offices at low cost,' he said. The Prime Minister also praised the women of Kalaburgi in Karnataka for branding traditional jowar rotis. 'The aroma of these rotis is no longer limited to their village. A special counter has been opened in Bengaluru, and online orders are coming in. Kalaburgi roti is now reaching the kitchens of big cities. This is not just a culinary story — it is a story of increasing incomes and empowered lives,' he added. Modi emphasised that women across the country are not only scripting their own success stories but also reshaping the nation's development landscape. 'The mantra of Women-Led Development is giving India a new direction, a new future. Our mothers, sisters and daughters are today changing not only their own lives but also that of the society at large,' he said. The PM also mentioned Suma Uike from Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh — a woman who has risen to self-reliance through mushroom farming, animal husbandry, and community entrepreneurship. He lauded her journey from joining a self-help group in Katangi block to eventually running a Didi Canteen and a Thermal Therapy Centre. 'This is the glow of self-confidence, of self-reliance. One such face is Suma Uike from Madhya Pradesh. Sumaji's efforts are very commendable. She took training in mushroom farming and animal husbandry by joining the Self Help Group in Katangi block of Balaghat district. Thus, she found her the path to self-reliance,' Modi said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Meghalaya's Eri Silk earns praise from PM
1 2 Shillong: PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast on Sunday celebrated Meghalaya's unique Eri silk, which has recently received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. "Eri silk is not just a fabric; it is a heritage of Meghalaya, lovingly preserved and enriched over generations, especially by the Khasi community," said the PM. He noted its distinct production process, which is entirely non-violent, earning it the name 'Ahimsa Silk', as the silkworms are not harmed in its extraction. This method involves allowing the silkworms to naturally emerge from their cocoons before the silk is harvested. "Nowadays, the demand for such products is rising rapidly in the world, which do not involve violence and do not have any ill effect on nature. Hence, Eri silk of Meghalaya is a perfect product for the global market," the PM underscored. He further said, "This silk keeps you warm in winters and cool in summers, making it ideal for diverse climates and expanding its appeal in both national and international markets." Calling upon the nation to embrace Khadi, handlooms and handicrafts, the PM Modi reiterated the spirit of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan'. Recently, the PM had thanked CM Conrad Sangma for having presented him with a piece of 'Ryndia Silk' fabric, a symbol of Meghalaya's cultural heritage and pride. "Your thoughtfulness is touching and is deeply appreciated," the PM wrote to Conrad. Conrad, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the PM. "Hon'ble PM, Sh. @narendramodi ji in his #mannkibaat2025 episode makes special mention of #Meghalaya's recently GI tagged Eri Silk also called Ahimsa Silk owing to its cruelty-free and natural production method. A great encouragement to our heritage textile weavers. Thank you Hon'blePM!"
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Prada finally admits its 'new' sandals are basically Kolhapuri chappals and India noticed
Prada faced criticism for featuring sandals in its Spring-Summer 2026 collection that closely resembled Kolhapuri chappals without acknowledging their origin. Following backlash, Lorenzo Bertelli of Prada admitted the design's inspiration from traditional Indian footwear and expressed interest in collaborating with local artisans. This incident highlights the need for proper credit and support for traditional crafts in the fashion industry. So, here's what went down: Prada recently showcased its Spring-Summer 2026 men's collection, and one particular piece had Indian fashion watchers doing a double take, sandals that looked way too familiar. Yep, they strongly resembled Kolhapuri chappals, the iconic handmade leather footwear from Maharashtra. But instead of owning up to the source of inspiration, Prada casually referred to them as just 'leather sandals' in their show notes. Naturally, this didn't sit well with a lot of people. Lalit Gandhi, the president of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, was among the first to call the brand out. He reminded them and the world that Kolhapuris aren't just any old sandals. They carry cultural and artisanal weight and even have a GI (Geographical Indication) tag since 2019. Fast forward a few days and Prada seems to have gotten the message. Lorenzo Bertelli, who heads CSR at the Prada Group, sent a letter to Gandhi acknowledging the 'inspiration' behind the sandals. He admitted that the design was indeed influenced by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, which has, as he put it, 'a centuries-old heritage.' (Took them long enough, right?) Bertelli also clarified that the collection is still in its early design phase and hasn't gone into production or sale, yet. He added that Prada respects Indian craftsmanship and wants to explore ways to work more closely with local artisans in the future. While it's good that Prada finally acknowledged the roots of the design, Gandhi's larger point still stands: cultural exchange in fashion is great, but it has to come with proper credit and collaboration. It's not enough to just "borrow" it's about recognizing where things come from and supporting the people who've kept those traditions alive. If this leads to big brands actually uplifting traditional crafts instead of just repackaging them, it might be a step in the right direction for the fashion industry.
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Prada Opens Up On Row Over 'Kolhapuri Chappals', Admits Indian Footwear's Inspiration
Last Updated: The Italian house said that sandals featured in the fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. After triggering a massive controversy and facing social media backlash over featuring slippers similar to Maharashtra's Kolhapuri chappals, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has now acknowledged that its collection was inspired by Indian handmade footwear. The leather slipper with open toes presented by Prada showed striking similarities to the heritage leather footwear that artisans have crafted for generations in Maharashtra and Karnataka. 'We acknowledge that the sandals featured in the recent Prada Men's 2026 Fashion Show are inspired by traditional Indian handcrafted footwear, with a centuries-old heritage. We deeply recognise the cultural significance of such Indian craftsmanship," Lorenzo Bertelli, a representative from Prada said in a reply to Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). The Italian house, however, said that sandals featured in the fashion show are still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. 'Please note that, for now, the entire collection is currently at an early stage of design development and none of the pieces are confirmed to be produced or commercialised," Bertelli added in its response. He further said that Prada is committed to responsible design and respecting traditional Indian crafts. The brand wishes to engage with local Indian artisans and ensure they get proper credit for their work. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft," he said in his reply. The response came after MACCIA president Lalit Gandhi objected to Prada's June 23 Milan show, where sandals resembling Kolhapuri chappals were labeled simply as 'leather sandals," with no mention of Indian influence. Gandhi, who raised the concern with the foreign brand after seeing the visuals, in the interest of the local artisans and the industry, had appreciated cultural exchange in fashion but criticised Prada for not crediting the original makers or working with local artisans. In a letter to Prada, Gandhi had urged the fashion house to publicly acknowledge the inspiration and also sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also an adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is very distinct and we want our footwear to go to newer markets. But it has to get the rightful recognition," Gandhi told news agency PTI on Saturday. MACCIA also reminded Prada about the traditional handcrafted leather sandal being awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2019. Prada's Response To Maharashtra Government In his reply, Bertelli clarified that the designs are still in the early stages and have not yet been approved for production. Bertelli added, 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities." What's The Controversy? In its Spring-Summer 2026 collection, the brand described the footwear as 'leather sandals", with no reference to an Indian connection, evoking outrage from many in India's fashion community as well as traditional makers of Kolhapuri chappals in western Maharashtra. 'Kolhapuri Chappals represent centuries-old craftsmanship rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra, India. These products are not only symbolic of regional identity, but they also support the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and families in the Kolhapur region and surrounding districts," Gandhi's letter said. The controversy drew further attention after BJP MP Dhananjay Mahadik led a group of Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They submitted a letter demanding action to protect the footwear's GI rights and cultural importance. According to the financial daily's report, the Sant Rohidas Leather Industries & Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM), which shares geographical indication (GI) certification for Kolhapuri chappals with Karnataka's LIDKAR, is considering legal measures. Although registered proprietors (LIDCOM and LIDKAR) and authorised users have legal rights to initiate proceedings within India's borders, GI marks currently lack international legal safeguards. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 28, 2025, 13:32 IST
