Bihar Assembly Turns Sweet Debate into GI Tag Push for Local Delicacies
In a refreshing departure from typical political sparring, the Bihar legislative assembly on Monday transformed into a spirited forum advocating for geographical indication (GI) tags for signature sweets from various constituencies. Instead of heated exchanges, lawmakers enthusiastically championed local delicacies, each aiming to secure national recognition for their region's culinary treasures.
Lawmakers Champion Local Sweets for GI Recognition
The assembly witnessed members trading dessert recommendations rather than barbs. Siyaram Singh passionately sought a GI tag for Barh's famous "laai," while Speaker Prem Kumar made a strong case for Gaya's traditional "tilkut." Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha pressed for Lakhisarai's distinctive "rasgulla," and Bhai Birendra vigorously backed "Maner ka laddu" for the prestigious recognition.
Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal informed the House that Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, has already applied to the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai for registration of the GI tag for Barh's renowned 'Khobi ka Laai.' He encouraged all MLAs to recommend sweets and other unique food items from their regions for GI consideration, assuring them that the state government would actively pursue these applications.
GI Success Stories and Proposed Food Exhibition
Minister Jaiswal highlighted that several Bihar products have already secured GI tags, demonstrating the state's rich culinary and cultural heritage. These include Shahi litchi from Muzaffarpur, katarni rice from Bhagalpur and Banka, zardalu mango from Bhagalpur, magahi paan from the Magadh region, Silao khaaja from Nalanda, Mithila makhana from the Mithila region, and marcha rice from West Champaran.
The list extends to traditional arts and crafts with Madhubani Painting from Madhubani, Bhagalpuri silk from Bhagalpur, Sujini embroidery, Sikki grass products, and Manjusha Art from Bhagalpur also enjoying GI protection.
Deputy Chief Minister Sinha proposed organizing an exhibition of food products from various Bihar regions during the upcoming Spring Festival. Speaker Prem Kumar promptly scheduled the event for February 25, creating a platform to showcase the state's diverse culinary offerings.
Substantial Investments in Muzaffarpur's Food Processing Sector
Responding to Gaighat MLA Komal Singh, Minister Jaiswal detailed significant industrial progress in Muzaffarpur district. The state government's industrialization initiatives over recent years have attracted substantial investment to the food processing sector in this key agricultural region.
Currently, 30 units operating under the maize-based industrial promotion policy are functioning in Muzaffarpur district with investments totaling approximately Rs 714 crore. Additionally, 58 new investment proposals in the maize sector have been approved, involving investments of about Rs 2,958 crore.
Major operational units in Muzaffarpur include Bharat Urja Distillery Pvt Ltd, Muzaffarpur Biofuels Ltd, and Macro Max Biofuels Ltd, all manufacturing maize-based ethanol. Other significant enterprises in the maize belt include ABZ Export Pvt Ltd (a poultry feed manufacturer in the Bela industrial area), Brown Belly Food Products (producing bread and rusk), and Sugana Food Products (manufacturing cattle feed).
Mega Food Park Boosting Employment and Investment
Minister Jaiswal further revealed that a mega food park has been developed in Muzaffarpur across approximately 143 acres to significantly boost the food processing sector. This facility has attracted 25 industrial units with investments exceeding Rs 567 crore, generating employment for 2,530 people in the region.
The assembly session thus blended cultural preservation with economic development, highlighting both the state's rich gastronomic heritage and its growing industrial capabilities in food processing.
