Mysore :

Erangere badane, a thin and long brinjal variety, once cultivated at Erangere village in the taluk and hence having derived its name from the same, is no longer grown at Erangere due to rapid urbanisation. Only a few farmers in villages around Mysore continue to cultivate this variety, but in smaller quantities.

In this backdrop, the State Department of Horticulture has approached the Geographical Indications Registry, under the Controller-General of Patents Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), seeking Geographical Indication (GI) status for ‘Erangere Badane,’ an exclusive of Mysore.

A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (for example, a town, region, or country). The use of a GI may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin.

When SOM contacted Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture (State), M.S. Raju, he said that the Department had sought GI tag for Erangere Badane. It had applied for it four months ago and the issue was before the CGPDTM (GI Registry), Chennai. “GI Registry officials are expected to conduct an inspection and collect information on this variety, including its genesis and other details, before processing the application. A presentation will be made by the higher authorities of the State Dept. on the need for granting GI tag for this variety of brinjal,” Raju added.

Stating that this once indigenous brinjal variety was on the verge of extinction, Raju said there is a need to conserve it for future generations. “GI tag will help us in promoting its cultivation and giving a new lease of life for the dying crop,” he reiterated.

Also, the State Horticulture Dept. has created a seed multiplication facility of Erangere Badane at its nursery at Kukkarhalli Lake premises to boost the cultivation and also help establish a ‘repository of seeds.’ Here, Erangere Badane is grown on half-acre plot and its seedlings are distributed among interested farmers and others to boost its cultivation, Raju said.

Erangere Badane’s supply is limited as only very few farmers are cultivating it. Among the farmers growing this brinjal variety, Mellahalli on Bannur Road is in the forefront.

Erangere Badane is presently available at Devaraja Market and its price ranges from Rs. 30 to 40 a kg.

“All efforts would be made to encourage farmers to take up cultivation of Erangere Badane and preserve its seeds,” M.S. Raju said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / April 22nd, 2014